Our Voice, A Better Affordable Housing Future
In September, Governor Shapiro signed an executive order to develop Pennsylvania’s first statewide housing plan, marking a significant step toward, addressing housing needs and homelessness in our communities. As part of this initiative, the Governor’s Office is engaging with stakeholders across the Commonwealth and holding roundtables focused on housing development and support to shape the plan’s recommendations.
Family Promise was one of the organizations invited to a housing supports roundtable this month, representing Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware counties. This regional roundtable provided an opportunity for Family Promise to collaborate, share insights, and contribute to the development of recommendations for supportive housing services and homelessness solutions throughout the Commonwealth.
During the roundtable, participants discussed the priorities and needs of those working directly in housing support. Key topics included equity, attainable housing, and the specific challenges faced in the counties. The discussion highlighted the urgency of the situation and the crucial role of state support in enabling organizations like Family Promise to effectively address housing issues. The roundtable provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, ensuring that the voices of those directly involved in housing support are heard and considered in the development of the statewide housing plan.
The participation of Family Promise underscores the importance of collaborative efforts and systemic changes needed to improve housing outcomes for families.
How can you make your voice heard in support of new and existing affordable housing in Montgomery County and across Pennsylvania?
1. Filling out the Housing Action Plan Survey (also available in Español) by clicking the button below, will allow you to share your thoughts and feedback on addressing housing affordability and availability in Pennsylvania.
2. Donating to show your support, by clicking the button below, will lift Family Promise of the Main Line’s efforts to address homelessness, amplify our voice, and continue to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
Your support is transforming the lives of our families and will ensure that Family Promise continues to amplify the need for safe, stable, and accessible housing for all. Thank you.
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Dear Friends,
Greetings!
Since my last communication in December in the annual Impact Report for donors and supporters detailing the activities of Family Promise of the Main Line, the mission and operations in support of families experiencing homelessness continue at full strength.
As you know, we have enjoyed the leadership of Susannah Coleman as our Interim Executive Director since April of 2023. During this time, the Board of Directors has pursued parallel tracks of both an executive search for a permanent Executive Director and explored possibilities for working with our sister organization, Family Promise Montco PA. As time went by, it became clear that one path was proceeding more smoothly than the other, this being the option to work with Family Promise Montco PA. The path to hiring a new ED has been made considerably more difficult due to the lack of good candidates, this being a job seekers market with many more lucrative opportunities available.
To bring you all fully up-to-date, an important transition is occurring at Family Promise of the Main Line. And since your support and involvement are crucial to our mission of addressing family homelessness in the community, it is my priority along with my fellow board members to keep you informed about significant developments within our organization.
Effective March 22, Susannah Coleman will be concluding her role as Interim Executive Director. We extend our sincere gratitude to Susannah for her dedicated leadership and tireless efforts during the past eleven months. Her guidance has been invaluable during this transitional period. We also express our appreciation to the entire Main Line team – Randi, Elizabeth, Don, and Andrea – for their ongoing hard work and commitment, which is fundamental to our success.
Moving forward, we are pleased to announce a management agreement with Family Promise Montco PA. With their wealth of experience and proven record in addressing homelessness and hunger, Family Promise Montco PA will support Family Promise of the Main Line in functional areas including technology, fiscal management, and communication. Marsha Eichelberger, Executive Director of Family Promise Montco PA, will provide organizational leadership to ensure the effective continuation of the Family Promise of the Main Line mission. Marsha’s leadership will strengthen our organization and guide our staff and the Board of Directors to continue to meet the needs of our families, partner congregations, and the community. We anticipate that the management agreement will be in place for three months, or until otherwise deemed necessary by the Board of Directors.
Both leadership teams are dedicated to facilitating a smooth transition process. We are committed to transparency, accountability, and open communication with our partners. Your ongoing support and collaboration are invaluable as we embark on this new chapter together. Be in touch if you have any questions or need more information; my email is BoardPresident@fpmainline.org.
Thank you for your continued commitment and partnership.
Warm regards,
Anne J. Wright
Family Promise of the Main Line
Board of Directors President