Family Promise of Pierce County is part of a nationwide organization that is helping families get re-housed after a catastrophic event leaving them without a home to live in.

Last year the group in Pierce County was organized, garnered grant monies, hired a CEO, hired and trained case management staff. They officially opened in January, 2024. To date, 31 families have moved into follow up, meaning they have secured some form of housing and staff are assisting to assure their success in their new arrangement. Due to the experienced CEO they hired, Steve Decker, the organization is becoming a model for other affiliates around the nation.

The great news, it is it working, even though their first shelter has not yet officially opened. Clients are using the Day Shelter in Spanaway on the east end of the Spanaway Elementary School property. The overnight shelter on 163rd Street will have a dedication ceremony May 8 at the Spanaway United Methodist Church location. Look for the announcement here.

In other news, FPPC was given a Pierce County grant to be a first point of contact for all homeless services. Case Managers will refer callers to the appropriate agencies for their particular needs.

It is all lovely, except some of the accounting peculiarities of working with Pierce County. The government is slow to repay when they are billed after money is spent. In other words, FPPC really could use some cash donations, so they don’t have to pay interest on lines of credit between the time money is spent and when the County actually pays them back for services provided. For example, money spent on payroll in January is not yet paid according to notifications at the April 11 board meeting. If the community could step up and bridge that gap, it would be greatly appreciated.

This article has a link so you can give to Family Promise of Pierce County, a local non-profit that is successfully assisting the homeless in Spanaway and Pierce County. (This one provides services now and is NOT trying to build dinky homes in a wetland.) Board members include local church officials and school district employees. You can see them on the link to their web page.

Here is the link to donate and help them have enough in the kitty to make it to the next check Pierce County finally sends from the grant fund. Your help of any amount will be greatly appreciated.