Every time I spend the night with our guests at one of our congregations, I am confronted by three facts that would surprise many of those unfamiliar with homeless families. The first is how much they care for, and share with, each other’s family. They help with others’ children and chores, in getting ready for the 6:30 AM van back to the Day Center, in letting us know when another family is having a bad day.
The second is how hard they work. From the time working parents get to the congregation for dinner until lights out they seem to be constantly busy with their children, getting ready for the next day, preparing lunches, and doing chores. There is not a lot of time for sitting down to relax. If there happens to be a TV available, it’s the kids, not the parents, who watch.
The third is how helpful, polite, and grateful the children are. I’ll confess when we started Family Promise I expected to run into sullen, resentful, angry children, thinking how I would feel if I were a child in a homeless family. But they are not. They play with and share with each other, converse politely with volunteers, and frequently express their gratitude for what Family Promise provides them through our volunteers. I have often thought that these children could be my grandchildren. That thought keeps me keeping on with Family Promise and grateful to all of you who make it possible.
Reflections of my Hosting Experience-By Joe Reitz, Founder and Board Member Emeritus
