A Host Congregation is one church in a network of 13 churches committed to providing basic shelter and food to families that are homeless. The Network is Family Promise of Clear Creek (FPCC).

A Host Congregation will take a turn providing shelter for seven days (Sunday to Sunday), once a quarter, (approximately every 3 months) to a maximum of three to five families (no more than 14 people).

A Normal Evening and Morning at a Host Congregation:

Beginning with the night before, two Overnight Volunteers come at 8:30pm and stay until 6:00am. Lights out @ 10:00pm for Adults.

The families wake by 6:00am, get ready, eat a cold breakfast set out by the Breakfast Volunteers that arrive by 6:00am and stay until 8:30am. The Network Van picks up families by 7:30am and transports to Day Center, then returns families to church by 5:30pm.

The Dinner and Evening Volunteers arrive @ 5:30pm and stay until 8:30pm. The evening meal can be supplied in many ways. Sunday School Classes, individual families, and other groups within our church or community can take one night per week to prepare and serve the evening meal. All volunteers are welcome to eat with the families. The guests clean up after the evening meal. If they so wish, they can retire to their rooms or stay and interact with volunteers until 8:30p

Sleeping:

The Host Congregation Coordinator Team & Church Staff choose where the families will sleep, taking into consideration weekly scheduling. Sunday School Rooms have proven to work well, giving families their own private rooms.

FPCC will provide cots or rollaway beds and pillows that move with the families. The linens will be provided by the Host Congregation and stay on campus.

Host Congregation Volunteers

Host Congregation Coordinators

Each Host congregation has a primary & assistant coordinator who takes overall responsibility for the program in that congregation. The Coordinators have a team of usually 2 to 4 people that ensure host week runs smoothly.

Two Host Overnight Volunteers One Man/Woman (one night during week 8:30p-6:00a) Stay overnight and are on hand in case of emergency

Breakfast Volunteers (one morning during week 6:00a-7:30a)

Simple meal of cereal, muffins, toast, coffee & juice. Guests prepare their own brown bag lunches, using lunch fixings provided by the congregation.

Dinner and Evening Volunteer (one night during week 5:30p-8:30p)

Meal Preparation for Evening Meal served @ 6:30p
Usually 2 to 4 people cook a hot meal, either at home or at the host congregation. Sunday School classes or Bible Studies are perfect to take a night.

Evening Host greet families, socialize and dine with them. They read to children, play games, help with homework, and assist guests as needed.

Set Up of and Takedown Teams

These teams set up the accommodations on Sunday afternoon, take down and move beds the following Sunday, and may also help guests move their personal belongings.

Supplies

Volunteers shop for staples, using funds form the congregational budget or from donations. Needed items include food staples (such as cereal, milk, lunch fixings) paper products, cleaning supplies, and so on.

Coordinating Donations

Volunteers and other members of host congregations often donate clothing, furniture, and household items that guests can use when they find permanent housing. A volunteer collects and organizes such donations for future distribution. Also, items such as food supplies, paper goods, linens, towels can be donated by hosting a “shower” at the individual host congregations.

Washing of Used Linens (Sheets/Towels stay at Church Campus)

Special Activities.

Volunteers plan special activities such as craft projects, video parties and recreational and educational outings for children and their families.

Doctor on call/Nurse on call

Family Mentor