Update on Family Promise Colorado Springs (FPCOS)

On Thursday, April 23, I attended the Family Promise Spring Social and Silent Auction. The presentation included a look back and forward. They started by celebrating the success of Michael U., a single father who worked hard with the team of FPCOS to move into permanent housing with his son. He gave a speech thanking the FPCOS team for their guidance and support. The staff spoke on how hard Michael worked to succeed. In 2025, 34 families received more than $40,000 in assistance to avoid eviction. The result, 88% of families requesting assistance were able to stay in their homes. The FPCOS Family Shelter Program sheltered 13 parents and 21 children in 2025. That’s providing shelter for 1,540 nights! Congregational partners provided 145 meals to these families while they were receiving shelter. 92% of the sheltered families successfully exited into stable housing. Donors provided over $3,000 to be used for move-in expenses for graduating families. Most importantly, 100% of the families seeking assistance were able to remain intact, meaning the children stayed with their parents.

Impact goals for 2026 include providing rental assistance and diversion for 50 families. Family Promise plans to provide temporary shelter to 20 families and case management for 30 families. In addition, FPCOS hopes to launch a new program in May 2026, “Family First Safe Parking – a Path to Stability.” Several churches in Colorado Springs will partner with FPCOS to provide a safe and legal place for families to park overnight. This gives congregations a meaningful opportunity to serve families in our community. Families will apply for safe parking through FPCOS. Family Promise will screen applicants, conduct background checks, and ensure families are entered into HMIS and have completed a VI-SPDAT assessment. Families will also schedule a case management appointment. Approved families arrive in the evening for check-in with a church volunteer using the list provided by FPCOS, which includes the family name, number of household members, and license plate number. Families park overnight and can connect with FPCOS staff as they work toward stable housing. In addition, FPCOS will provide portable restrooms, a 2-yard dumpster, security, and liability insurance. The congregations will provide 2-5 volunteers for check-in each night, 10 parking spaces for overnight use for a 2-week window, financial support, and some measure of hospitality (at their discretion). Since FLC does not own a parking lot, FPCOS is hoping we can partner with one of the other downtown churches and provide volunteers and hospitality. Let cheryl@flccs.net know if you are interested in serving in this area of outreach to our community.