Meet Our Volunteer: Angela

Meet Angela, one of our volunteers! As a former Family Promise client, Angela has a first-hand experience of what it means to experience homelessness. She has been self-sufficient for two years and wants to give back to the community.

Q: How long have you been volunteering?

A: This is my second week volunteering here. I’ve always wanted to do some type of volunteer service. I had seen the Family Promise building but didn’t know what it was.

Q: What drew you to volunteer with Family Promise?

I was really drawn to volunteer because I used to be homeless. I was connected with Family Promise after running into Mayor Andy Berke down the street from the shelter I was staying in. I talked to him about my situation, and I was connected with Family Promise of Greater Chattanooga. Family Promise paid the deposit, application fee, and first month of rent for my new home.

Q: What is your favorite part about volunteering?

A: Volunteering motivates me to get up and be on the other side of the phone to help people when they ask questions. I can explain the process to people because I’ve done it myself. I know that Family Promise makes a difference. I know how I felt when the person answered the phone when I called Family Promise. I want to make sure when the phone hangs up they’re not disappointed, and they finally have hope.

Q: Why do you believe in Family Promise’s mission?

A: Because they helped me. I’m a firsthand witness that they helped me. I know that Family Promise is 100% what they say they are. Many people don’t realize that homelessness happens to women and families when someone loses a job, can’t afford to pay rent, got divorced, or was affected by COVID-19. Family Promise helps those people.

Q: How can others join you and support the Family Promise mission?

A: People can help through volunteering and donating. Family Promise can help as long as they have the funds. I know firsthand that they make a difference as long as they have the support to do so.

Q: Is there anything else you want people to know?

A: No matter who we are, we're no better than the next person. We’re all one step or one job away from possibly ending up homeless. It’s important to never give up hope in bad situations.

Our Fall Fundraiser Was a Success!

On behalf of Family Promise of Greater Chattanooga, we wanted to send a huge thank you to sponsors, board members, donors and guesst for supporting our first Food Truck and Fun Fest event.

We are thrilled to be able to use the funds to make a meaningful impact in the life of one family.

In addition, we managed to raise awareness about October 10th as World Homeless Day. It was anopportunity to bring attention to the needs of people who experience homelessness and provide opportunities for the community to get involved in responding to homelessness.

This event wouldn’t have been possible without your support. With the growing homeless population in our city, this event was one that was close to our hearts. We deeply appreciate your willingness to support us. We look forward to many more years of working together to end homelessness one family at a time. See you next year for our 2nd Annual Food Truck and Fun Fest!

Meet Our New Intern

Meet Emma, our new intern! Emma graduated in July with a degree in criminal justice from Judson College and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in social work at the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga.

“I decided to work with Family Promise because I’m passionate about volunteering with families who have experienced homelessness. I spent time working with families in New York City over the past couple of years and fell in love with serving that population of people. My time volunteering inspired me to find a way to help families in the greater Chattanooga area.

I love Family Promise’s programs, and the interfaith factor of the organization was very important to me. I’m looking forward to helping Family Promise of Greater Chattanooga rebuild its programs in response to COVID-19 and learning more about helping people as a social worker!”

Emma joined the Family Promise team in August and plans to work with us until April.