History
In over three decades of existence, Family Promise of Morris County has expanded from a sole Emergency Shelter program to offering services in the areas of Shelter, Housing, and Outreach. Our commitment to improving Morris County’s overall housing, economic, health and wellness outcomes is evident in our continual development of programming to best meet the needs of our community. Learn more about our agency’s history below!
THE BEGINNING
The first Interfaith Hospitality Network opened in Union County, New Jersey, on October 27, 1986. With the help of local congregations, volunteers provided shelter, meals, and housing to help families find employment, housing, and a sustainable place within their community.
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In April, a second Interfaith Hospitality Network (now Family Promise of Morris County) opened its doors right here in Morris County, offering an Emergency Shelter program to families experiencing homelessness. This was the first of many Interfaith Hospitality Network affiliates to open around the country.
1990s - 2000s: LAYING OUR ROOTS
In 1991, community members could begin supporting their neighbors in need through our Adopt-A-Family program. Soon after, we moved to the First Baptist Church and hired our first Case Manager.
Our network of volunteers, funders, and staff continued to grow throughout the decade. With the support of 10 Board members, 13 Host Congregations, and 33 Support Congregations, we served our 800th family in June of 2003.
2009: A NEW SPACE
To continue meeting our community's increasing needs — notably during and after the Great Recession — we moved into a bigger space. Awarded by the County of Morris, our Day Center allowed us vital room to grow. After two decades, we could begin offering Outreach services in addition to our original Emergency Shelter program.
2012: WE BECAME FAMILY PROMISE OF MORRIS COUNTY
We changed our name from the Interfaith Hospitality Network to Family Promise of Morris County to reflect our broad range of programs and promise to end family homelessness. Our Community Support Program was also launched, supporting graduate families from our Emergency Shelter Program.
TODAY
Today, our agency continues to meet growing demand through our Shelter, Housing, and Outreach services via the support of our staff, Board, and network of over 1,600 volunteers. We are one of 220+ Family Promise affiliates supporting families and individuals experiencing homelessness and housing instability across the country.