Family Promise

Temple Beth-El is a proud member of Family Promise of Hudson County which is part of a national interfaith alliance transforming the lives of families threatened by or experiencing homelessness, helping to transition them toward safe and permanent homes.

Before the pandemic, TBE’s members volunteered during the weeks in which our pre-screened guest families were physically housed in places of worship, including our Temple. Together we cooked, set up our Social Hall for hospitality, played with the children after school, and shared our space for sleeping.

Like everything else, COVID changed the nature of Family Promise’s work, which has meanwhile expanded with new models of help while still limiting physical contact. Post-COVID volunteer opportunities will grow to include proactive homeless prevention and temporary housing as well as ongoing support of vulnerable families who have overcome homelessness. Watch our website to learn how you can be part of these new models.

More than ever before, to learn more about how to be a part of this powerful mitzvah, please e-mail Lari Schwartz at Lari@betheljc.org

Here is what one volunteer said of her experience:

“My school-age daughter and I welcomed the opportunity to spend an evening at the Temple, helping ease and normalize the mothers’ transition — from their complicated day out juggling their jobs and their kids (and doctors appointments) — into their communal evening meal and wind down. The pasta meal Tom’s wife prepared (with green beans and salad, and snacks) hit the spot for everyone. And the kids really appreciated playing with his daughter and my daughter.

It was a valuable opportunity to remind ourselves of the huge challenges young women and men raising children on their own face, and how to most mindfully be with them.”

Learn more about Family Promise here.