Let’s Talk About It

I have been part of Family Promise (and the IRF, before we changed our name) for over 35 years. Recently, I’ve been thinking about what I know about family homelessness and all the complexities of the issue, and how being homeless so adversely impacts the entire family. And I have hoped, since the beginning, that we could find an easy way to communicate that. However – while I have not given up on my quest – I have come to realize that homelessness, its causes, and its impacts are not only dramatic, but also not very easy to get across to people.

Recently, Kate and I met with several people about our plans to purchase a building and create the Family Promise Center. After about 20 minutes I said, “Have you noticed that we have described who we are and what we do, and I haven’t used the “H” word yet?” Questioning looks, and then I said “homeless.”

And that is because nearly everyone has their own perception of who a homeless person is . . . that it must have been their fault for getting into that situation . . . that if the parent(s) only worked a bit harder, they wouldn’t have become homeless . . . and so on.

One thing I learned a long time ago is that homelessness is such a charged word that, if I cannot clearly lay the groundwork for it and paint a picture of the people in our Family Promise program, people will almost inevitably come to the wrong picture.

I also learned pretty quickly that I can’t really explain it too quickly. The One-Minute Elevator Speech model doesn’t work particularly well for such a complicated topic and experience, and how we work to address it.

So over upcoming issues of The Promise, we will have a short article — Let’s Talk About It – so we can share some of the issues, and complications, and ways Family Promise addresses housing insecurity. We will talk about:

• Myths and facts about homelessness
• Who we serve . . . and who we do not
• Who is experiencing homelessness
• The impact of homelessness on children
• Not all who are experiencing homelessness are who you think they are
• Who is eligible for government assistance

We hope these articles will answer your questions. YOU are on the front lines for Family Promise, and I am sure you often get questions about what we do. I am sure you hear people’s comments about “the homeless.” These articles will help you to provide accurate answers.

Of course, if you are unsure how to answer a question or are just curious, do not hesitate to contact Kate or me. We will happy to provide whatever guidance you need. And, we are also willing to meet with groups to explain Family Promise in more detail. If you, our most dedicated supporters, have questions, certainly others do as well.

Thank you for keeping an open mind and supporting families facing homelessness.

Paul R. Shackford
July 2024