Moving Day!

If you happen to find me here, please know that I've relocated my blog. I hope you'll come visit the newly remodeled Plotting Michigan site at https://amymorrisjones.wordpress.com/. Here's a preview:

Check It Out! Bartleby Snopes Issue 13

Thrilled to be a part of Bartleby Snopes' Issue 13. Come take a look!

A Family Promise

                                                            

When Rob and Suzette Shreve lost their house after Suzette's cancer treatments cost more than they could afford to pay, they didn't have anywhere to go with their three children. Neither had parents still living, and although Rob had siblings, their living situations were not much better than his own. They spent a few nights camping out in the guest rooms of friends, but they were too proud to make that any sort of long-term solution. When they showed up at the local homeless shelter, they were informed that it was a shelter for women and children only; Rob would have to find somewhere else to stay. Sure, that was an option, but it would mean their family would be separated--as if they hadn't been through enough. 

This scenario is fictional--or at least the people are. The situation is very real. I was shocked to learn that families who go to homeless shelters are often separated--the men to a different location than the women. There are very few shelters that allow families to be together, places where they can maintain that all-important family bond. 

Over the past few years, I've learned of a program that makes it part of its mission to keep these families together while they work through their challenges to get back on their feet: Family Promise. I'm proud to say that my church is part of the Family Promise Interfaith Hospitality Network through Family Promise of the Lakeshore, where families are housed in area churches overnight so that they can enjoy their evening meal together and sleep knowing their loved ones are near. 

If you ever have the opportunity to be a part of this group or if you're looking for a cause to donate your time or money to, consider Family Promise, a non-profit organization "committed to helping low-income families achieve lasting independence."