July 2, 2026

Home

Last Tuesday, we had the opportunity to attend Family Promise’s Grand Opening of their new guest house! It was the third time I had been there, but the first time where every room was filled and furnished and along with a ribbon cutting in the pouring rain, there were warm and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. If that doesn’t say home, I don’t know what does! We are just days away from when Family Promise will welcome the first families of guests into this new home!

I learned at this event that Family Promise was founded in February 2008, when a group of women met in a church basement during a blizzard. They decided then and there that was the last winter they would let families experiencing homelessness sleep in their cars in winter. So it only makes sense that the new iteration of their vision, an apartment style guest house would also have it’s grand opening in the midst of challenging weather conditions. When you have a home, unseasonable weather makes no difference. You have a roof over your head, but to one who doesn’t, having a place to call home makes all the difference.

A few of my favorite features of the new guest house are the community room and play space for kids, the mail boxes (many people don’t know this is one of the biggest barriers for homeless people seeking employment or applying for places to stay, without a mailing address it can be impossible), and of course the Grace Lutheran Church sponsored apartment. This is a commitment we have made as a congregation. We will be funding this apartment, and welcoming new families with supplies with each of their stays. This is in addition to our commitment to provide meals for the whole facility for 4 weeks of the year. I hope that if you feel called to get involved with this ministry or even if you are interested in learning more that you would seek out some of our Family Promise Leaders and learn more!

Before the new guests arrive, Family Promise needs to finish stocking the apartments with general household supplies (trash cans, cleaning supplies). I invite you to check out the Amazon wish list they created specifically for upcoming Guest House needs. Please help us gather the items that will create a welcoming environment for the families who walk through Family Promise’s doors.

Thank you

Pastor Maria Markman