Agency Spotlight - Family Promise

Family Promise of Greater Kingsport, Inc. (formerly known as Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Kingsport) is a homeless shelter for families with minor children in the Kingsport area. They work with a group of churches that provide overnight accommodations and meals for the guests who are in our program.

Families with children make up the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. FPGK provides a safe, family-oriented place to stay, nutritious meals, and mentoring to help homeless families with children under 18 on their quest to regain independence.

Program expectations

  • During their stay guests are expected to actively seek employment and housing and to work out a plan to regain their independence with the guidance and encouragement of caring staff members.
  • As all FPGK services are free of charge to our guests, they are expected to save a major portion of any income they may have to retire past debts and fund future obligations.
  • Individuals with current substance abuse problems, untreated mental illness, or a history of violent behavior are not accepted.
  • For the safety of all, Guests are asked to sign a Criminal Background Check Release Form.
  • Guests who do not comply with FPGK Guidelines may be asked to leave the program.

What Does FPGK Offer?

Safe, family-oriented shelter at host churches, Nutritious meals, A day center with access to:

  • A private day room for each family
  • Showers
  • Laundry facilities
  • A mailing address
  • A phone & fax machine (local calls only)
  • A guest computer with an internet connection

Transportation to and from:

  • Host Churches
  • School
  • Daycare
  • Employment
  • Appointments

Case Management and mentoring services to guide guests toward lasting independence. Assistance in seeking employment, housing and daycare. Assistance in obtaining medical, dental and counseling services. Referrals to relevant social service agencies. Referrals to GED, literacy and other educational services. A life skills learning center with resources for:

  • Parenting
  • Nutrition
  • Budgeting and financial planning
  • Computer skills
  • Job skills
  • Resume creation and job search

In some cases there may assistance with utility deposits. Household items such as furniture, dishes, linens and cleaning supplies may be provided upon completion of the program. In some cases temporary follow-up supportive services to help our families make the transition to independence may be provided.

 

 

If you have anything on these wish lists to donate, please call FPGK at 423-246-6500.

Day Center: deodorant, family-size shampoo, hair brushes, Kleenexes, paper plates, paper towels, napkins, plastic forks and spoons, dish and laundry detergent, business-size envelopes, ink pens, Post-it notes, highlighters, and letter-size file folders.

 

You can visit http://fpgk.org/ to find more information on Family Promise of Greater Kingsport.