MONROE - Volunteers and donors have come together in almost record time to help homeless families in Green County, and as a result, help reduce the strain on Green County Human Services.
Family Promise of Green County is scheduled to open Monday, Nov. 7. When it does, it will be the second fastest opening in the nation for the parent organization that has more than 170 affiliates in 41 states.
"It was just that the community was ready for it," said Bob Beck, president of Family Promise of Green County. "Churches were looking for a local mission, and a lot of people got excited about the program."
The nonprofit organization, staffed by local congregations and other community volunteers, will provide the necessities that homeless families need to get back on their feet, organizers said. Area churches will provide basic overnight care, supper and breakfast for a week at a time on a rotating basis. Family guests will receive support services at a day center in Monroe, focusing on helping them gain independence in work and housing. Transportation to and from the day center will also be provided.
In addition to private donations, Green County has put $15,000 into its 2012 budget for Family Promise, to help alleviate the financial strain on the county.
Green County Human Services has seen a massive increase in the need for housing assistance in the past two years. The county budgeted $80,000 in 2010 for housing assistance, but spent $140,000. The budget was raised to $140,000 for 2011, but spending is projected to be about $324,000 by the end of the year.
At a meeting of the Homelessness Prevention Coalition of Green County in September, Green County Human Services Director Greg Holcomb and Economic Support Supervisor Jeannie Blumer reported the county will budget $140,000 for 2012 housing assistance, but the department will not be allowed to overspend again next year.
Family Promise is hoping to fill the void for families in need.
Starting March 3 with a meeting with the staff for the national program, Family Promise volunteers pulled together donations in less than nine months.
"There has been tremendous response of items donated," Beck said.
A washer and dryer set and computers have been donated, as well as enough funds to acquire 18 cots and 40 sets of bedding. A request for two portable play yards for children has yielded six at last count, Beck said. "The only thing we haven't got is a trailer to haul beds from place to place," he added.
Volunteers created a day center this summer in a house owned by Grace Lutheran Church on 15th Avenue in downtown Monroe, and equipped the facility with home and office equipment. As many as 18 individuals may use the day center at one time.
Bryce Riemer, Brodhead, became the director of Family Promise of Green County in October. His task is to manage the cases coming through the organization, access resources for the families, and help them attain the skills and training they need. A school counselor in Illinois for seven years, Riemer recently moved back to the family farm in Green County.
"We are fortunate to be able to use the upstairs of the house now, and no longer have a space problem," he said. Riemer is looking for lockers for guests to store their belongings during the day.
Even though Family Promise of Green County came in second for start-up speed, the local affiliate is actually further along in funding than other start-ups, Riemer said.
"We can attribute that to the volunteers and board members and the work they've done," he said.
Family Promise still seeking donations
Items still needed include large lockers (metal or wood) or old wooden wardrobes; comfortable rocking chair to rock babies; wall-mount mailbox; broom and dust pan.
Needs that are partially met: Living room chairs (not recliners, couches or kitchen table chairs); cordless phones; day center volunteers and van drivers.
Also needed is an enclosed trailer at least 6 by 12 feet. Family Promise volunteers will transport the beds for their guests from one church to the next.
To make a donation, contact Bryce Riemer, Network Director Family Promise of Green County at (608) 328-2600.
Family Promise of Green County is scheduled to open Monday, Nov. 7. When it does, it will be the second fastest opening in the nation for the parent organization that has more than 170 affiliates in 41 states.
"It was just that the community was ready for it," said Bob Beck, president of Family Promise of Green County. "Churches were looking for a local mission, and a lot of people got excited about the program."
The nonprofit organization, staffed by local congregations and other community volunteers, will provide the necessities that homeless families need to get back on their feet, organizers said. Area churches will provide basic overnight care, supper and breakfast for a week at a time on a rotating basis. Family guests will receive support services at a day center in Monroe, focusing on helping them gain independence in work and housing. Transportation to and from the day center will also be provided.
In addition to private donations, Green County has put $15,000 into its 2012 budget for Family Promise, to help alleviate the financial strain on the county.
Green County Human Services has seen a massive increase in the need for housing assistance in the past two years. The county budgeted $80,000 in 2010 for housing assistance, but spent $140,000. The budget was raised to $140,000 for 2011, but spending is projected to be about $324,000 by the end of the year.
At a meeting of the Homelessness Prevention Coalition of Green County in September, Green County Human Services Director Greg Holcomb and Economic Support Supervisor Jeannie Blumer reported the county will budget $140,000 for 2012 housing assistance, but the department will not be allowed to overspend again next year.
Family Promise is hoping to fill the void for families in need.
Starting March 3 with a meeting with the staff for the national program, Family Promise volunteers pulled together donations in less than nine months.
"There has been tremendous response of items donated," Beck said.
A washer and dryer set and computers have been donated, as well as enough funds to acquire 18 cots and 40 sets of bedding. A request for two portable play yards for children has yielded six at last count, Beck said. "The only thing we haven't got is a trailer to haul beds from place to place," he added.
Volunteers created a day center this summer in a house owned by Grace Lutheran Church on 15th Avenue in downtown Monroe, and equipped the facility with home and office equipment. As many as 18 individuals may use the day center at one time.
Bryce Riemer, Brodhead, became the director of Family Promise of Green County in October. His task is to manage the cases coming through the organization, access resources for the families, and help them attain the skills and training they need. A school counselor in Illinois for seven years, Riemer recently moved back to the family farm in Green County.
"We are fortunate to be able to use the upstairs of the house now, and no longer have a space problem," he said. Riemer is looking for lockers for guests to store their belongings during the day.
Even though Family Promise of Green County came in second for start-up speed, the local affiliate is actually further along in funding than other start-ups, Riemer said.
"We can attribute that to the volunteers and board members and the work they've done," he said.
Family Promise still seeking donations
Items still needed include large lockers (metal or wood) or old wooden wardrobes; comfortable rocking chair to rock babies; wall-mount mailbox; broom and dust pan.
Needs that are partially met: Living room chairs (not recliners, couches or kitchen table chairs); cordless phones; day center volunteers and van drivers.
Also needed is an enclosed trailer at least 6 by 12 feet. Family Promise volunteers will transport the beds for their guests from one church to the next.
To make a donation, contact Bryce Riemer, Network Director Family Promise of Green County at (608) 328-2600.