Family Promise
As part of Family Promise’s network of partner churches, SCUCC hosts a few homeless families for one week at a time, several times a year. We provide a wholesome dinner and place to sleep every day they are here, as well as activities for the children and their parents.
We have partnered with Family Promise for more than 20 years. The organization provides a full range of social, economic, and educational services for homeless families as they work their way back into affordable housing, sustainable employment and lasting independence. Families stay each week at a different church, which provides evening meals and beds. During the day, parents either go to work or search for work while their children go to school. When not in school, children stay at the Family Promise Day Center. Family Promise has 200 affiliates across the country including the Greater Phoenix chapter.
From Ted Taylor, CEO of Family Promise of Greater Phoenix:
This church is authentic, lives “love of neighbor” in its broadest context, and perseveres even when it would be easier to back off. The membership goes above and beyond in its hospitality for the homeless, the hurting, and the marginalized in our community. I can say from personal experience, this church is passionate about treating the marginalized as one of their own, sharing meals and conversation, helping parents and kids to feel safe and welcomed, and creating an authentic sense of community where stress and fear can be washed away in relationship.
Here are some important facts: Family Promise of Greater Phoenix has partnered with Scottsdale UCC since 2002 hosting families who have lost their homes and are in need of temporary shelter. By our calculation, Scottsdale UCC has hosted, over the years, more than 200 families, over 700 individuals, of which over 420 were children.
Finally, I want to mention the general commitment of this church to focus on the broader underserved in our community, with their time and passion. I don’t believe it is a stretch to say that this church is known for its heart to serve. Not just families, but all in need of Christ’s love.