How It Works
We empower Warren County families to regain their housing, their independence, and their dignity.
Our History
​Interfaith Hospitality Network of Warren County opened its doors in October of 1998. During that time, many questioned if Warren County even had an issue with homeless families. During IHNWC's first year of operation, 28 homeless families were taken into the program. Unfortunately, the number of families in need of housing has only increased since 1998. With humble beginnings on Lebanon's Cherry Street, IHNWC was transformed substantially.
In 2003, National Interfaith Hospitality Network changed their name to Family Promise. This name change reflects the broad rage of promise and vision to end homelessness. In an effort to align with Family Promise, the Interfaith Hospitality Network of Warren County officially adopted the name Family Promise of Warren County in April 2021. This name change gives us the opportunity to not only highlight our anchor program, the IHN Shelter, but also share the other programs that are offered to better serve the Warren County community - Heaven and Hearth Furniture Ministry, Homeless Crisis Response Program (HCRP), and Coats for a Cause.
At Family Promise of Warren County we recognize that poverty is a complex problem that requires a multifaceted response. We respond by integrating educational outreach, smart programming, effective policies, and the hands-on work of thousands of volunteers. We provide food, support services, and transitional housing for families experiencing homelessness. We provide advice and advocacy for at-risk families to prevent their becoming homeless, and we educate people about poverty and the means to combat it.
86%
of each dollar spent
directly benefits Warren County Families
87%
of families served find housing
1,593
total number of children assisted through the shelter program
How It Works
Family Promise of Warren County prides itself on providing a unique program of responsibility and accountability for the families that we are blessed to serve and in doing so allowing dignity and growth for each family.
This volunteer-based program provides each family in the shelter program with the tools in which they can be successful.
1
Pre-Shelter
Once a family is assessed by our Shelter Case Manager, have passed a criminal background check as well as drug testing, they are welcomed into the program. Our Shelter Case Manager will complete a thorough intake with each family and give them a tour of the campus. Each family is provided
with a family room which will be their home for their stay. This room has all the comforts of home to include a private bathroom, bedding, dressers, microwave, and refrigerator.
2
While in Shelter
The family will be provided with an individualized case plan with the focus on stability and self-sufficiency through viable employment, education, wrap around services, such as day care, self-care, and transportation. The family will meet daily with our Shelter Case Manager with the goal of keeping that family on track so that they may be housed as quickly as possible.
Adults in the families participate in educational classes to enhance their self-sufficiency. The classes include Financial Security, Parenting, Health, Life Skills, and Keys to Good Tenancy, as well as fun classes such as Yoga, Painting and Sign Language.
3
Exiting Shelter
Once a family has secured housing, and they have completed the requisite community service hours, they are then invited to “shop” at Heaven and Hearth Furniture Ministry which will provide furniture and household necessities for the family to set up their new home. With
assistance from the family and their friends, FPWC staff will provide the use of our box truck to assist with the move.
Hosting
Volunteers from all parts of the community are invited to become a partner in these efforts. Congregations, businesses, organizations, and clubs are a crucial part of the success of this program as well as the success of the families that we serve.
Volunteer Overview
Volunteers provide the evening meal daily, breakfast and lunch items for the week, fellowship, and overnight needs. We have many churches, organizations, and clubs that are seasoned volunteers who provide a week's worth of hosting many times throughout the year. If your church, organization, business, or club is looking to get involved they can do so by participating in the Try It You’ll Like It Program or by signing your team up for a week’s worth of assistance. Volunteers are strongly
encouraged to participate in one training session which is held on the first Saturday of each month (sign up here). At that training there will be a tour of the facility as well as a session regarding the holistic approach to interaction with the families.
Opportunities
Meals are child-friendly; mac and cheese, grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, and other meals of
this sort. Likely what is served at your house will be well received by our families. Fellowship is a chance to relax with the families through crafts, games and outdoor time at our state-of-the-art playground or fun at the basketball court or Gaga pit. Sometimes a child will need assistance with homework. Overnight volunteers have the use of a comfortable space in which they sleep and are available for the very occasional need such as providing Tylenol to a child who has spiked a fever overnight. Overnight volunteers are rarely disturbed.