Our Story

Brief History of Family Promise and Family Promise of the Lakeshore

The first Family Promise, then called the Interfaith Hospitality Network, opened in October, 1986 by founder, Karen Olsen, in the state of New Jersey. Soon, word spread and programs grew. In 2003 the name was changed to Family Promise to be more reflective of “the promise, the potential, in every family.”

Family Promise opened its 100th affiliate in 2004 and its 200th affiliate in 2016. Each affiliate in this association is allowed to be reflective of, and responsive to, the needs of the local communities in which they exist. Family Promise of the Lakeshore was #150.

Initially, a group of interested and caring individuals and churches gathered in 2003/2004 to investigate the possibility of starting a Family Promise locally. Enthusiasm waned. Another attempt was made in 2008 and was successful. They fundraised the $70,000 needed to open the doors and hire staff. IRS approval as a nonprofit came in February of 2009.

This affiliate opened its doors in 2009 and accepted the first family with Temple United Methodist Church as the first Host Church, in November, 2009. The affiliate began as Family Promise of Muskegon County. By June of 2010 it was recognized that the organization served further than the county borders and changed the name to the more descriptive Family Promise of the Lakeshore.

The first few years focus was placed on serving more families on an emergency basis rather than looking toward finding families a home and long term outcomes. The first three years averaged a 44.6% success rate (families being housed after being in Family Promise.) Beginning in 2013, more focus was placed on case management and family advocacy. This resulted in a 90% success rate. The rate has remained above 84% since then.

The first president of the Family Promise Board was Pastor Bill Eutricht, pastor at First Lutheran Church in North Muskegon. The second president was David P. Hoffman, of United Methodist Church of the Dunes; third was Thomas Trzaska, of Prince of Peace Catholic Church, fourth was James Merritt, of United Methodist Church of the Dunes, and fifth was retired pastor Gunnar Carlson, of Temple United Methodist Church.

Since opening, 243 families have been kept together during the most stressful time of homelessness. 39,131 nights of safe haven have been provided and 434 children have been protected from the harshness of homelessness.

Reaching out to families, 1,121 volunteers have given of themselves. Volunteers have provided 1,682633 hours of service with a value of $16,826,330.

Family Promise is a unique partnership of diverse communities of faith and community groups, providing a safe place to stay, meals and compassionate, supportive services for families with children who are experiencing homelessness while assisting those families to achieve sustainable independence.