MONROE - Green County Family Promise is one step closer to helping those without a home - in the next few weeks the organization hopes to receive its nonprofit status.
The organization requested 501(c)(3) status about two months ago, but as they await for the process to proceed, organizers have continued work on behalf of what they say is a struggling population of homeless or near homeless in the area.
"(Family Promise) is focused on families," said Bob Beck, president of the Family Promise board. "We want to make sure the children are off the street."
Family Promise is a new, interfaith hospitality network involving about 16 local area churches.
Beck said churches in Green County are committed to being host churches for Family Promise - seven in Monroe, three in Brodhead, two in Monticello and one in New Glarus.
Those churches will each take a week at a time to be home for families that need a place to stay.
"It just been amazing how the community has responded to this project," Beck said. "It's blown me away."
Along with the host churches, 12 other churches are "buddying up" to provide time and service to the host churches, Beck said.
"We're developing a network faster than (Family Promises) in other areas," he said.
The organization also plans to provide a day center, which is owned by Grace Lutheran Church, that will assist with such needs as job-search assistance. The group also will be searching for a full-time director.
Family Promise hopes to officially open sometime in October.
The organization is a member of the Homelessness Prevention Coalition.
"We are a group that brings together multiple agencies and nonprofits who are involved in and concerned about this issue, as well as other concerned citizens," said Bridget Mouchon, coalition member and Green County UW Extension's Family Living Educator.
As of June 30, 45 homeless families and 103 near-homeless families received help, she said. About 200 adults and 174 children were served.
At the end of 2010, There were 175 households served, with 199 adults and 183 children.
The coalition itself is part of the Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program.
And the coalition hopes to continue their fundraiser efforts, after netting over $1,000 at a recent Wisconsin Community Bank Brat Day event
While both organizations are committed to helping those in need, the groups provide different outlets.
"While the coalition works on addressing the larger community issues with homelessness, Family Promise is a program that will provide a housing and family support solution," Mouchon said.
To make a tax deductible donation to Family Promise, checks can be sent to Family Promise of Green County, PO Box 378, Monroe, WI, 53566.
The Homelessness Prevention Coalition's next meeting is at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Government Services Building.
The organization requested 501(c)(3) status about two months ago, but as they await for the process to proceed, organizers have continued work on behalf of what they say is a struggling population of homeless or near homeless in the area.
"(Family Promise) is focused on families," said Bob Beck, president of the Family Promise board. "We want to make sure the children are off the street."
Family Promise is a new, interfaith hospitality network involving about 16 local area churches.
Beck said churches in Green County are committed to being host churches for Family Promise - seven in Monroe, three in Brodhead, two in Monticello and one in New Glarus.
Those churches will each take a week at a time to be home for families that need a place to stay.
"It just been amazing how the community has responded to this project," Beck said. "It's blown me away."
Along with the host churches, 12 other churches are "buddying up" to provide time and service to the host churches, Beck said.
"We're developing a network faster than (Family Promises) in other areas," he said.
The organization also plans to provide a day center, which is owned by Grace Lutheran Church, that will assist with such needs as job-search assistance. The group also will be searching for a full-time director.
Family Promise hopes to officially open sometime in October.
The organization is a member of the Homelessness Prevention Coalition.
"We are a group that brings together multiple agencies and nonprofits who are involved in and concerned about this issue, as well as other concerned citizens," said Bridget Mouchon, coalition member and Green County UW Extension's Family Living Educator.
As of June 30, 45 homeless families and 103 near-homeless families received help, she said. About 200 adults and 174 children were served.
At the end of 2010, There were 175 households served, with 199 adults and 183 children.
The coalition itself is part of the Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program.
And the coalition hopes to continue their fundraiser efforts, after netting over $1,000 at a recent Wisconsin Community Bank Brat Day event
While both organizations are committed to helping those in need, the groups provide different outlets.
"While the coalition works on addressing the larger community issues with homelessness, Family Promise is a program that will provide a housing and family support solution," Mouchon said.
To make a tax deductible donation to Family Promise, checks can be sent to Family Promise of Green County, PO Box 378, Monroe, WI, 53566.
The Homelessness Prevention Coalition's next meeting is at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Government Services Building.