Q: WHO does Family Promise of Cape May County serve?
A: Homeless Children and their Families
Family Promise of Cape May County (FPCMC) is committed to helping homeless families in our community achieve lasting independence. Their mission is to provide a safe and positive enviroment for homeless families while they design and execute a plan to break the cycle of homelessness in their lives.
WHY is there a need for Family Promise of Cape May County? Because Cape May County has NO emergency shelters, let alone, a homeless shelter for homeless families.
FACT: In 2010 Cape May County generated $5.275 Billion Second in the State after Atlantic County. Data provided by Vantage Strategy for Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism
FACT: Spending in NJ was flat in 2010 and visitation was up, Cape May County bucked that trend in 2010 with a 5.4% increase. Data provided by Vantage Strategy for Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism
FACT: Cape May County performed quite well during the Recession and lead the way in recovery for the entire state of NJ. Data provided by Vantage Strategy for Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism
FACT: 50.2% of all second homes in New Jersey are located in Cape May County. Data provided by Vantage Strategy for Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism
Cape May County dosen't want to admit that there is homelessness in a county that is associated to "the good life".
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Building Community Awareness
Homelessness is a tragedy for anyone, but especially for families. Being without a safe, warm place to sleep and eat is a profound crisis for anyone, but especially for families. This is the plight of our ever-growing homeless population. And the numbers are increasing. An estimated 500-600 residents in Cape May County are, in fact, homeless or “at risk” of homelessness. More than half of these are families with children.
This staggering statistic is due in large part to a shortage of affordable housing. Families have found themselves caught in the growing gap between family income and the cost of a home. Yet, there are many factors that result in families becoming “homeless” - illness, domestic violence, divorce and unemployment, all contributing to the cruel spiral of poverty. Family homelessness may not be readily apparent, most families take refuge in a relatives or friend’s home or stay in sub-standard motels or sleep in their vehicles. Imagine everything you own fitting into a garbage bag!
Family Promise of Cape May County is a non-traditional sheltering program. It is small, with a maximum of 12 individuals (including children) in the program at a time. Family Promise assists homeless families by providing shelter and meals, and by offering assistance in locating employment and affordable housing. They tailor success plans for each family, including financial, career and educational goals.
Fortunately, homelessness is typically a temporary situation and Family Promise of Cape May County is here to offer a lifeline - a connection to caring volunteers and community services that help families work through their temporary crisis by providing hope, improved circumstances, and ultimately, independent living.
Family Promise has so much work to do because of the increasing number of homeless families in Cape May County. So we need your support. By sending in a contribution today, you will be helping us ease the burden of local families carrying everything they own in a plactic bag.
Together we can help our neighbors in need. All they need is an "affordable" place to call HOME and people who care.
Donations* can be mailed to:Family Promise Cape May County
P.O. Box 200
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
* Charity Navigator has given Family Promise it's highest rating.