Roy Exum
One of Chattanooga’s greatest efforts has been called The Interfaith Homeless Network of Greater Chattanooga but steps are quickly being taken by its board to change the name to “Family Promise” because it’s a better fit; not just on envelopes, calling cards or a personal check but – quite simply – that’s what it really is.
The Interfaith Homeless Network came into being when some of the area’s most wonderful churches and synagogues banded together to assist struggling families get back on their feet.
What happens is that a marvelous group of volunteers takes on a whole family and provides the mentoring, the counseling and the ability to return that family to where it is self-sustaining in today’s society.
The most heartening thing about IHN is that is has an 80 percent success rate but the most disappointing thing is that not many people know of the daily miracles that take place in a glorious new building located just off Eleventh Street in what was once the Farmer’s Market. So it is the dream that a name change – Family Promise – will better acquaint the community with what is a tremendous nationwide effort.
Most of the affiliates are already called Family Promise – there is one in Dalton and another in Cleveland, for instance. But the best part is the “promise” that has seen over 400,000 people helped in 41 states over the last 20 years. To take a homeless family and give both parents and children sustainable independence is a “dream come true” to virtually every family that enters the highly-lauded program.
“Nobody wants to live in poverty,” said Mary Ellen Galloway, the executive director in Chattanooga, “and we can prove that we have been successful time and time again turning some good people’s lives completely around.”
With just two paid staff and a budget of less than $200,000, the success of IHN has been largely due to the 100-plus volunteers who work every week but the organization’s name has been somewhat confusing. Sure, the Interfaith part is easy as over 45 area churches join with a host of local contributors to offer food, shelter and necessities but the “homeless” tag is a stretch. When IHN gets involved, there are homes where the clients live while getting jobs, transportation and other basics.The children are enrolled in school. There are daytime facilities in the sparking IHN building on Baldwin Street and support is in place to take clients to job interviews, doctor’s appointments and the like. But if the name change can spur new attention, the goal is that more families now on the center’s waiting list can be helped.
“The downturn in the economy and occasional health issues has devastated some families in the Chattanooga area. Rather than place the children in foster homes, we have found if we can keep the family intact it greatly helps everyone involved. The need has never been as great as it is right now but the rewards are more wonderful, too, because our clients are very motivated to be productive members of society,” said Mrs. Galloway.
The Chattanooga group is led by board president Kathy Fulgham and vice president Mary Lynn Morse. Angie Rouse is the secretary and Jason Holliman is the treasurer but Mrs. Galloway said there is a concerted effort is fill some vacancies on the board. “We have been blessed with great leadership but believe if we fill some vacant board seats with some bright people, it will pay off in the next few years. “We are always looking for volunteers, too. Some who work the hardest to help have had troubles of their own in the past. Now they know what it means when you can restore a family. We have people for every denomination and we don’t allow proselyting but anyone who comes in our door realizes Family Promise is a ministry to mankind,” she said. “Everywhere you go people talk about the importance of the American family. We serve families. That’s what we are about.”
Those wishing to learn more about Family Promise in Chattanooga or wanting to become involved in its effort should call 423/756-3891.
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