Mission Statement
Our mission is to help families experiencing homelessness and low-income families achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response.
Our Vision
A community in which every family has a home, a livelihood, and the chance to build a better future.
Statement on Equality and Non-Discrimination
Family Promise of the Main Line serves families of all compositions. We welcome everyone in the community to be part of the solution to empower families experiencing homelessness and ultimately retain and regain the safety, security, and opportunity that comes with having a home.
Statement on Racism
It is impossible to separate systemic and structural racism from the reality that people of color, specifically Black people, are disproportionately affected by homelessness and poverty. Family Promise of the Main Line is committed to being an anti-racist organization. We will educate and engage ourselves, our stakeholders, and the community to work towards overcoming racism so that race no longer defines who has housing.
Our Core Values
Hospitality
Family Promise of the Main Line is more than shelter—we are hospitality in action. Our volunteers are companions to families, sharing meals, community connections, and compassion so families can focus on achieving their goals.
Empathy
Family Promise of the Main Line provides highly individualized, person-centered, trauma-informed care. Empathy is at the center of all we do, and we take the time to understand all perspectives. This ensures we deliver excellent service to our guests and maintain a productive and enjoyable work environment.
Community
Family Promise of the Main Line builds bridges among neighbors, bringing together existing resources to fulfill our mission. The relationships between family members, volunteers, and staff are transformative and power a national movement of communities committed to solving the crisis of family homelessness.
Dynamic
Family Promise of the Main Line is a dynamic organization taking an holistic approach to ending family homelessness. Our services, advocacy, and leadership are nimble and future-focused, providing customized and evolving solutions.
Innovative
Family Promise of the Main Line is innovative and entrepreneurial. We create original programs in response to local needs. These grassroots initiatives are replicated in communities of all shapes and sizes across the country.
Empowerment
Family Promise of the Main Line empowers all stakeholders – family members, volunteers, donors, community members, businesses, and government officials – to affect change in their communities so families can achieve economic stability and children can access a brighter future.
Our History
First as Interfaith Hospitality Network of the Main Line, and now as Family Promise of the Main Line, we have been helping Montgomery County, PA families reach housing stability for 30 years.
1989 – Inspired by the work of Karen Olson, founder of the now national Interfaith Hospitality Network program (renamed Family Promise in 2003), a group of concerned citizens, led by Rev. George Hollingshead of Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, began planning the creation of a network of congregations along the Philadelphia suburbs, known locally as the Main Line, that could support families experiencing homelessness.
Ardmore Presbyterian Church, Ardmore United Methodist Church, Beth David Reform Congregation, Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, Central Baptist Church, Our Mother of Good Counsel, St. John Neumann Church, and St. Thomas of Villanova Parish joined this network with a commitment to provide families experiencing homelessness safe shelter, a good meal, and compassionate companionship.
1992 – With receipt of its nonprofit status, Interfaith Hospitality Network of the Main Line housed its first family, a mother and her two daughters, at Our Mother of Good Counsel.
November 17th, 2003 – A building is purchased in Norristown to house administrative offices, a Day Center, and a small apartment. This development provides opportunities for more expansive services for our families, including intensive case management support, improving our quality of care and long-term family outcomes.
2020 – The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic puts a spotlight on the state of Montgomery County’s safety net, revealing gaps in a system that should be preventing families from becoming homeless. In response, Interfaith Hospitality Network of the Main Line immediately launches prevention and diversion services, aimed at helping families maintain their housing.
2021 – In recognition of our organizational growth and alignment with the values and mission of Family Promise, Interfaith Hospitality Network of the Main Line changes its name to Family Promise of the Main Line, joining nearly 200 other affiliates who have adopted the Family Promise name and commitment to a holistic solution to family homelessness that includes prevention, emergency shelter, and stabilization programming.
Today – Our commitment to vulnerable families is as strong as ever. Annually, we support over 300 families in their pursuit towards lifelong housing stability.
How do I get Involved?
Make a Donation
Volunteer
We succeed through the help of volunteers like you, who care about making a difference in the community.
Become a Partner
We have great partnerships with businesses of all kinds to help support our mission.
Congregations Welcome
Family Promise of the Main Line has active religious institutions that help provide services and support for families in need.
We are proud of our families and all that they achieve during their stay in our network.
Here are some testimonials from families we helped, and Volunteers that work with Family Promise of the Main Line.