FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
For Families
Is Family Promise a shelter?
No, FPCR is a transitional program for families with children interested in creating a stable, permanent situation for themselves and their families. If you are in need of emergency shelter, please contact the Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless at 518-434-8021 or dial 211.
How does the program work?
Families sleep at various community churches for one week at a time. Dinner is served every evening by volunteers. During day hours, family members who are not in school or at work stay at the FPCR Day Center where they work on a family permanency plan.
Who can apply?
Any family with at least one minor child can apply. Both one-parent, two-parent, mixed generation, and guardian-led families are considered. Adults must sign a contract agreeing to active case management and be willing and able to work.
Are there any exceptions?
FPCR is unable to accept anyone with: an active substance abuse problem; a serious untreated mental illness; a risk of violence or sexual offenses.
How do I qualify for your program?
If you feel you qualify for the Family Promise program, call the office at 518-650-8895 or email info@familypromisecr.org to set an appointment to meet with our Family Case Manager, Mary Giordano.
Is there a waiting list?
On occasion, FPCR services do fill up; however it is still important to fill out an application. Living situations can change rapidly and we can serve families more efficiently if we know how many families are in need.
How long can I stay?
Length of stay depends on the individual needs of the families in the program. The average stay is from six to eight weeks.
What about my pet?
Thanks to PetSmart, families are able to keep their pets with them during their time in the program. Fish and small mammals are allowed in the day center while dogs are housed outside in our heated/cooled kennel. Cottonwood Veterinary helps us to care for pets while families are in transition.
Contact Us
(518) 650-8895
738 New Scotland Avenue Albany, NY 12208
Monday-Friday: 8am – 5pm
Need Help?
Frequently Asked Questions
For Volunteers
What do volunteers do?
- Cooking and serving meals
- Playing with children and helping them with homework
- Staying overnight with guest families
- Just being there for children and their families, showing them compassion and respect, and sharing a sense of community
- We also utilize volunteers to mentor guests who
have left the program, to tutor kids, to provide
specialized services like resume writing, financial
counseling and tech support, to do upkeep on our
Day Center, and to help out with special events.
If you are unsure of how best to contribute, contact our office at 518-650-8895 or via email at info@familypromisecr.org.
Why do you call them guests?
Family Promise is one of more than 180 Interfaith Hospitality Networks that bring together faith communities to help families by providing safe, home-like accommodations and healthy meals served in a community setting.
The foundation of Family Promise is hospitality which is why families served are referred to as ‘guests’ and the volunteers as ‘hosts’. It is in this environment that we believe we can help families maintain their dignity, even under the harshest of circumstances.
What does the training involve and when is the next training?
Volunteers who wish to have direct contact with guest must complete 2-hour FPCR training which details the causes and impact of homelessness, the Family Promise Interfaith Hospitality model, and how to interact with guests. Please call the office or email info@familypromisecr.org for the next training date.
Can I still volunteer if I am not part of a faith community?
Yes. In fact, unaffiliated volunteers are a critical to our operations. Unaffiliated volunteers help mentor family members, fill holes in congregational schedules, transport guests, plan events, and help maintain our Day Center. If you would like to volunteer, contact our office at 518-650-8895 or info@familypromisecr.org.
Want to Volunteer?
Contact Us
(518) 650-8895
info@familypromisecr.org
738 New Scotland Avenue Albany, NY 12208
Monday-Friday: 8am – 5pm
Frequently Asked Questions
For Donors
Does Family Promise have faith requirements?
While Family Promise relies heavily on local churches for volunteer and financial support, it is not a religious or faith-based organization. Furthermore, Family Promise of the Capital Region does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or religion. Although we are not a faith-based program, we believe in putting our faith into action, not words. Proselytizing is strictly forbidden and guests need not attend any religious activities to receive services.
Is my FPCR donation tax-deductible?
Family Promise of the Capital Region is a 501(c)3 registered with the State of New York. You can make a tax-deductible contribution by mail or online.
Do you accept donations of goods & services?
We do accept donations of clothing and household goods for current families only. However, because we have limited storage space, please call before you come to ensure that you are bringing something we can use.
Contact Us
(518) 650-8895
sherrick@familypromisecr.org
738 New Scotland Avenue Albany, NY 12208
Monday-Friday: 8am – 5pm
