FAMILY PROMISE 

“But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”  

Sign Up to volunteer for our next hosting week, December 1-8, 2024.

The words above from the Bible speak directly to us. St. Andrew’s chose to join the national network of Family Promise 5 years ago as an Outreach Ministry. Family Promise of Greater Concord brings people in need together with people who want to help. They provide the framework that turns compassion into action to help the homeless and low-income families in our area achieve sustainable independence.

Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter, one week each season, St. Andrew’s opens the parish building doors and our hearts to 3 or 4 homeless families. We turn our classrooms into living space and the Great Hall into the dining room. Staffing through volunteers we shelter, feed and afford these families a safe place in the evenings and nights that is warm and welcoming.

One can only imagine the fear, helplessness, anger and despair that a parent feels when they can not shelter, feed or find a warm safe place for their children to live. As volunteers we host these families by offering a cooked meal or greeting the families as they come “home” to St. Andrew’s. We may join them for a family style dinner, or act as overnight hosts providing safety and security. Being with these families, especially the children, is rewarding beyond words. Knowing that we make a difference is a blessing. God has asked only that we love him and love our neighbors. Our hearts are filled with joy as we watch these families achieve independence; parents regain their dignity and the children laugh and play. God’s love shines through the eyes of our families.

For more information about Family Promise of Greater Concord, please visit their website.