August News Updates
 

Welcome to the Family Promise HCR Newsletter!

If you’re new to our newsletter, “Welcome!” and thanks for signing up. You probably met our Community Outreach person, Susan, at a local event. And, you may have even received a water bottle for joining our email list.

We hope that this email gives you a better idea about what’s going on at Family Promise HCR and how you can partner with us. To learn more about our programs, click here.
 

Back to School
Ah, Back to School time! The commercials tell us that it's exciting and that we need to buy all the things. But, for unhoused families, back-to-school time can be fraught with anxiety and questions:
  • Where will I go?
  • How will I get there?
  • How will my parents even afford school supplies?
Homeless children comprise more than 25% of the homeless population in this country.
 
In Pennsylvania alone during the 2021-22 school year, over 40,000 students were identified as experiencing homelessness - a number that has increased more than 100% since 2008 and continues to grow.

What is CACH anyway?

Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness (or CACH, pronounced "cash"), runs the Dauphin County Continuum of Care. Yes, we know, it's a lot of jargon. 

 

We're very excited to start a new partnership with CACH! We're taking this step to have a broader impact on local homelessness. 

 

Please check out the video below where Matt and Stacey explain more about it all!
 

Annual Report 23-24

As far as Annual Reports go, this one is pretty great. We did a lot this year to make an impact on local homelessness and poverty. And you were a part of it! Click here or on the button below to see it all.
 

Remembering Stan Murphy by Matthew Wagner, Executive Director

 

We recently learned of the passing of one of our long-time volunteers, Stan Murphy. Many of our Family Promise volunteers knew Stan “The Mattress Man” Murphy.

Stan was a volunteer for us from early on. Anytime we had a mattress with a leak, he’d come pick them up, take them home to patch, and bring them back…always with a smile and kind word.

Stan is the living embodiment of the idea that when it comes to volunteering, there’s a role for everyone. Who knew that the skill of repairing air mattresses would be something a nonprofit organization needs?

Yet, because of Stan’s willingness to do what’s needed, dozens of families had a comfortable place to sleep.

If you would like to see Stan’s obituary, it can be found here.
 

Stan's Legacy by Krissy Marshall, Founding Executive Director

 

I've known Stan and Cathy for many years. There are lots of fond memories but 2 things that really stick out in my mind.

 

1. We used to have an annual Senators' Game fundraiser. We sold tickets and enjoyed a game together as a big Family Promise family. Stan would often buy 18 or 20 tickets. He would sponsor a night out for the United Methodist Home for Children. He gave generously to Family Promise while at the same time allowing this group a fun night out when they might not have it otherwise.

 

2. When a family moves into their own place from our program, we gather furniture and their belongings and help to get them set up.

 

I remember one family move-out vividly. It was winter, and everything was frozen. There was ice on the ground. 

 

Stan was the only volunteer brave enough to show that day. It was Stan, me, and the 6-month pregnant woman we were moving in.

 

Stan and I were carrying a couch up to the 3rd floor, and he cut his finger. Being on a blood thinner medication, he started to bleed all over the place, and I thought, "Boy, we are in trouble." But, of course, Stan just smiled and shrugged. The woman found a band-aid. We got him cleaned up and kept on with the move.

 

She was one of the most gracious people I can remember, and that move will be forever imprinted in my mind. 

 

Stan, we'll miss your smile, your willingness to lend a helping hand, and your overwhelming generosity. Though we'll miss you, we'll never forget you.