Hundreds turn out for Family Promise fundraiser to end situational homelessness

More than 200 people turned out Thursday, April 29, for Family Promise of North Fulton/DeKalb’s Third Annual Family Promise Meals with Meaning Fundraiser.

The event raised more than $45,000 to benefit Family Promise of North Fulton/DeKalb, a community-based organization whose mission is to help homeless and at-risk families with children in North Fulton and DeKalb counties.

“Meals with Meaning began as a way to bring this community together,” said Andrea Brantley, executive director of Family Promise of North Fulton/DeKalb. “It began with passing a platter, with fellowship among neighbors, with Family Promise families bravely sharing their stories.

“...Family Promise is unique in the way that we come together as a community to encourage and empower families,” Brantley said. “With this support, families are able to move from crisis to stability.”

The event gave attendees a behind-the-scenes view of Family Promise’s work. In addition, attendees heard interviews with volunteers, community members, local clergy and families who benefited from the program, including a local police officer and his family.

“It could happen to anybody — even a police officer,” the officer’s wife said. “Life doesn’t pick and choose who it happens to; life happens to everybody.”

Family Promise partners with more than 20 local congregations to provide food and shelter to families and their children. In addition, the team offers essential assistance, including intensive case management, life skills classes, career coaching and financial literacy.

Since 2012, Family Promise of North Fulton/DeKalb has housed more than 300 individuals at local congregations and helped more than 90 families and nearly 200 children.

“While all around us the need continues to grow, we at Family Promise are growing to meet it,” said George Orlin, chair of the Family Promise of North Fulton/DeKalb board. “We are excited to expand our reach in this community as we build on the incredible strides we’ve made.”

For more information, visit familypromisenfd.org.

Family Promise of North Fulton/DeKalb hosting virtual Meals with Meaning on April 29

Family Promise of North Fulton/DeKalb will host its annual fundraiser virtually, Meals with Meaning, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 29.

Meals with Meaning focuses on helping homeless and low-income families in North Fulton and DeKalb counties achieve sustainable independence.

The event is free to attend. To register, please visit www.mwm2021.givesmart.com.

Community members can make a difference just by registering as Family Promise of North Fulton/DeKalb board members will donate $1 to the organization for everyone who registers. Board members will donate an additional $2 for every person who attends Meals with Meaning.

“We know the past year has been a challenging year for everyone, including families experiencing situational homelessness,” Family Promise of North Fulton/DeKalb Executive Director Andrea Brantley said. “Even as we turn toward a semblance of ‘normal,’ the economic impact of the pandemic will likely persist, causing even more hardships on families. By participating in this fundraiser, people can help provide a direct lift to families in their communities and ease some of the pandemic’s impact.”

Healthcare IT Leaders; Sarah and Rob Caverhill; Temple Sinai Atlanta; Toni Rabbe; Oakbridge Partners; Brooks, McGinnis and Company LLC; Neighborhood Restaurants; Donaldson Capital Management; Crawford & Merritt Company; and t-Olive Properties are sponsoring this year’s event.

Family Promise of North Fulton/DeKalb provides emergency family housing and a path to independence to families experiencing situational homelessness. Its programs are possible through a community-based response.

The organization is driven by support from volunteers and donors and offers engagement programs for individuals, congregations, corporations and community organizations to support its mission.

Anyone interested in sponsoring this year’s event can sign up to do so until April 19. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Andrea Brantley at andreabrantley@familypromisenfd.org.

For more information, visit familypromisenfd.org.

Dunwoody grants Family Promise of North Fulton/DeKalb $50,000

DUNWOODY, Ga. — The city of Dunwoody has awarded Family Promise of North Fulton/DeKalb a $50,000 grant to help offset costs the organization incurred in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The money is part of $400,000 in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding the city council approved for Dunwoody’s Vulnerable Population Program. The program provides grants to local not-for-profits that serve people affected by the pandemic.

Family Promise of North Fulton/DeKalb plans to use the money to cover families’ expenses for hotel rooms, childcare services, and enhanced cleaning.

“We appreciate the support of the Dunwoody City Council,” said Andrea Brantley, executive director of Family Promise of North Fulton/DeKalb. “We could not continue to fulfill our mission without the help and support of the local communities we serve.

“This has been a challenging year for everyone, and our neighbors undergoing situational homelessness have also faced the struggles of the pandemic,” Brantley added. “Even amid a pandemic, situational homelessness remains a crisis in our community, and we won’t slow our push to help every family in need.”

Family Promise of North Fulton/DeKalb works with more than two dozen congregations in metro Atlanta to find permanent housing for families. In 2019, the chapter helped more than 80 families, and as a result, 178 children and 85 adults, mostly single mothers, have a place to call home.

The organization has remained busy during the pandemic. In July, Family Promise of North Fulton/DeKalb worked with Midas Alpharetta and 1-800-Charity Cars to donate refurbished cars at no cost to a pair of families rebounding from situational homelessness.

Earlier this month, the Atlanta Braves Foundation awarded a $5,000 grant to Family Promise of North Fulton/DeKalb. The grant will support Family Promise of North Fulton/DeKalb's rotational shelter program.

At their Oct. 26 meeting, the Dunwoody City Council approved $50,000 grants for seven other organizations. “When I look at the list, I’m overwhelmed by the amount of care these organizations have given our community,” Dunwoody City Councilman John Heneghan said during the meeting.

“This may be the best thing we’ve done all year in a lot of ways,” Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch said.

For more information, visit familypromisenfd.org.