Emergency shelter and housing assistance program comes to Pike County

Family Promise of Monroe County has been providing emergency shelter and housing assistance to homeless and at-risk children and their families for 12 years. Now, through a new partnership with the Pike County Department of Human Services and Transportation, Family Promise will provide support services to the residents of Pike County.

“This important collaboration will significantly help our local families in need to achieve independence through safe shelter,” says Pike County Commissioner Chairman Matthew Osterberg.

“Family Promise’s motto, ‘everyone needs a home,’ is true in Monroe County, as well as Pike County,” said Enid Logan, Executive Director of Family Promise of Monroe County. "We’re thrilled about this partnership that will provide critical case management for the at-risk and homeless families in Pike."

To participate in the program, Pike County families must have transportation and be sustainable with steady income in the form of active employment, SSI, or disability.

Once housed through Family Promise, Pike County clients will receive case management for one year. According to Logan, 99 percent of those served remain in their homes during that timeframe, which includes monthly check-ins. Ongoing guidance and support may include necessities such as trash bags and laundry and bath soap, which are donated to Family Promise.

Last year, Family Promise in Monroe County assisted 250 families and 591 individuals.

“We are honored to be able to expand our services to the Pike County area and look forward to meeting new families that are in need,” Logan said.

Stephanie Everson has been hired as a part-time case manager in Pike County to handle clients’ housing needs and to maintain a list of available local housing units.

“Our vision in Pike County is to make sure that every family has a home, a livelihood, and the chance to build a better future," she said. "Working together in a strong community with a shared goal and a common purpose can make this possible."

Everson will administer Family Promise programs, such as Rapid Re-housing and Homelessness Prevention, that can assist qualifying homeless individuals and families with expenses like security deposits, first and last months’ rent, moving costs, and utility deposits.

Pike County residents interested in Family Promise services, as well as landlords seeking to participate as part of the housing unit availability list, should contact Everson at severson@pikepa.org or 570-832-3196.