our Story
Building Hope. Creating Stability. Strengthening Our Community.
Since 2009, Family Promise of Washington County has been committed to helping individuals and families overcome homelessness by providing shelter, support, and a path toward lasting stability. What began as a community partnership has grown into a comprehensive homelessness services organization serving Washington County.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN - 2009 | A Community Comes Together
Family Promise of Washington County was established in 2009 as a local affiliate of the national Family Promise network, which has been helping families experiencing homelessness since 1987. Today, Family Promise includes more than 200 affiliates across 43 states, with Washington County becoming one of Wisconsin's early affiliates.
A COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER - 2010 | The Interfaith Hospitality Network
In 2010, local congregations united to form the Interfaith Hospitality Network. Through this collaborative effort, host congregations provided overnight shelter for families on a rotating weekly schedule, demonstrating the power of a community working together to meet a critical need.
GROWING TO MEET THE NEED - 2014 | A Permanent Home on Elm Street
Family Promise acquired the historic Elm Street building, originally built in 1892. This milestone provided a dedicated Day Center where families could access services, meals, and support throughout the day.
The building also allowed Family Promise to create eight supportive housing units for individuals and families facing significant barriers to permanent housing, giving them additional time and resources to build stability before moving into homes of their own.
2018 | Karl's Place Opens
In February 2018, Family Promise opened Karl's Place, expanding services to include single men and women experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Karl's Place filled an important gap in Washington County by providing emergency shelter, meals, basic health services, and individualized case management. The facility also includes four supportive housing apartments to help guests successfully transition toward permanent housing.
A TIME OF CHANGE - 2020 | Meeting a Growing Need
The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant challenges. The Interfaith Hospitality Network temporarily ceased operations, while demand for shelter services continued to increase.
At the same time, the aging Elm Street facility was no longer able to meet the growing needs of families experiencing homelessness. These challenges highlighted the need for a larger, centralized facility where comprehensive services could be provided safely and efficiently.
A PROMISE FOR THE FUTURE - 2022 | Breaking Ground on the Promise Center
Family Promise was awarded a $2 million Community Development Block Grant–Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) to construct a new 10,000+ square-foot facility at 450 E. Water Street in West Bend.
This investment made it possible to create a modern, safe, and welcoming space designed to better serve individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
October 28, 2022 marked a major milestone as community partners, supporters, and staff celebrated the official groundbreaking for the new Promise Center.
A NEW HOME FOR HOPE - 2024 | Opening the Promise Center
At the beginning of 2024, Family Promise proudly opened the new Promise Center at 450 E. Water Street, West Bend, Wisconsin.
The expanded facility brings all homelessness services together under one roof, offering emergency shelter for men, women, and families, supportive housing, a walk-in Resource Center, case management, and administrative offices.
With increased capacity, enhanced safety, and expanded services, the Promise Center allows Family Promise of Washington County to serve more people than ever before while continuing its mission of helping individuals and families achieve lasting independence.
LOOKING AHEAD
From a small network of dedicated congregations to a centralized community resource serving hundreds of individuals each year, Family Promise of Washington County continues to grow alongside the needs of our community.
Every milestone in our history reflects the generosity of our volunteers, congregations, donors, community partners, and supporters who make our mission possible. Together, we continue to provide hope, stability, and a path home for those experiencing homelessness.
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