FOUR times a year PUMC volunteers take a turn among an interfaith network of congregations and local civic clubs to provide dinner each night for a week to families who are between homes.
Use the following Sign Up Genius to sign up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094EABAC2BAB9-family
- What’s the connection? Parkway
UMC has been a charter member of Family Promise since it opened its doors in
2004. Until the program went to only delivering meals March 2020,
volunteers set up rooms in our facility with beds, towels, etc.; we counted
some 448 nights! Families were delivered to PUMC nightly where they were fed
and housed. The Covid-19 lockdown gave FP an opportunity to see how essential
it was to keep families in one place during their wait for housing. While the
opportunity to give hospitality to families is lessened, their wellbeing and
peace of mind seems evident.
- What does “between homes” mean? For
a variety of reasons families in Fort Bend County might find themselves in need
of help to acquire their next home. Fort Bend Family Promise works with families
to find grants and rental assistance that will help them afford to get back
into a home. While the families do what’s required by FP they are housed and
fed by the local volunteers. The East Campus in First Colony puts
families into condos in Stafford. The West Campus that we support houses
families in the Center at 1002 Wilson Drive in Rosenberg.
- How can I help? Meals can be provided in a
variety of ways: homecooked, ordered and delivered by you, or ordered and
delivered by a service. Historically Parkway has provided homecooked meals
almost completely, using pizza or another delivery only in the event of an
emergency. The families can walk or drive to fast food and corner stores, but
they do not have a kitchen to cook healthy meals. Once you sign up on our
Sign-Up Genius you will be able to see what others are planning to bring; we
try to provide variety. Water will be delivered but plates and utensils are
appreciated (save the packets of napkins and utensils you receive). Individuals
are welcome but what’s easier is to work with others – Audrey can help you find
others!
- How does it work? Family Promise gives us a
census of whom they are housing: how many adults, teens and children, usually
12-18 people. Food can be delivered in tinfoil cooking pans, take-out
containers, bags, etc., and can now be served buffet style rather than per
family. But please do not leave anything – crock pot, cooler, plate – that you
want returned! Because they want to continue contactless covid policy they have
a table inside the first door on which you can leave the food between 4-4:30
pm. Please note this time!
- Do we have a partner? Holy
Cross Episcopal Church fed folks at FP for 2 years during covid. They have
joined us in our efforts and provide dinners Friday and Saturday.
Directions to 1002 Wilson Drive, Rosenberg:
From either church take the 99-feeder to Hwy 90 and into the left turn lane. Take Hwy 90 thru Richmond. After you pass Sonic and Walgreens on your right you will go under a railroad trestle. Stay straight: you will turn left on Wilson at a light, the Family Promise Center is the 2nd building on your right. You can pull up under the awning to deliver food. Their phone number: (832) 847-4734.
PUMC Contact: Audrey Ivester (832) 451-9959 or audreyivester@yahoo.com.