St. Mary’s by the Sea is proud to be a part of Family Promise of the Jersey Shore, where families with children are supported through housing crises. During the day, guests in the program benefit from services at a Day Center where staff helps families establish self sufficiency through finding housing, employment, and addressing issues leading to homelessness. Families can also take showers, do laundry, and have an address to receive their mail. At night, families sleep in safe and secure spaces prepared at places of worship where parishioners actively practice their faith by serving others. Meals are coordinated, prepared and dropped off, entertainment and games are prepared for the children, and dignified, private sleeping quarters are set up for each family.

According to the Family Promise website, 88% of the families were able to find stable housing within three months of being in the program! In addition to this fine work, they provide homeless prevention assistance, referrals to families and individuals who call in need, and Family Promise also provides continued support for families after successful completion of the program.

For more information on Family Promise, their website can be found at familypromisesoc.org.

St. Mary’s is joined with Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church as one church unit in this ministry. Volunteer efforts will be shared by members of both congregations but all Family Promise guests eat, play and sleep at Point Pleasant Presbyterian. There may be occasional opportunities for serving as overnight hosts, but this is generally not anticipated.

If you would like to participate in this important ministry, a background check is required before volunteering and so is signing a Family Promise code of conduct agreement. Some light training is also necessary. Please contact Deacon Rocco to get started or if you have any questions! He can be reached by email at deaconrocco@saintmarysbythesea.org.