Notes from the Director • February 2007

It’s hard to believe it’s March already! In a few days it will be one year since we opened our doors to our first family. Since that time, we have helped 12 families consisting of 41 individuals, with shelter and opportunities. Right now we are blessed with our littlest one yet: a sweet 6 week old baby who looks like an angel.

The longer I do this, the more I am convinced that it’s all about relationship. When we recognize that we belong to each other, we look at the world differently. We have a responsibility to each other. Somehow our own needs and desires don’t seem all that important anymore. We are part of something much bigger.

I was fortunate to attend an organizational meeting that Paul Thomas of HIS Soup hosted to look at the possibility of starting a rescue mission for homeless individuals here in Bozeman. It has been a long time coming, but the time seems ripe to finally address this need.

Homelessness for anyone can be devastating. Home is where most of us feel safe and secure, where we find rest and nourishment to face the challenges outside. What would it be like to have no base to come home to? It’s hard to even imagine, yet it is a reality for so many.

Together we can end homelessness two important ways: we can end homelessness one family at a time and we can advocate for policies that will address the root causes of homelessness. Both ways are needed: the personal, one-to-one approach and the larger, public policy approach.

Family Promise, our national office, has started an exciting new Interfaith Advocacy Program. This program mobilizes clergy, volunteers and former guests of interfaith hospitality networks as advocates for public policies that work to alleviate poverty and promote economic stability for low-income families.

All faiths call on people to be in relationship and help those in need. Every one needs a place to call home. If we all pitch in and share the responsibility, our burden will never be too heavy. Right now Family Promise of Gallatin Valley needs more host congregations and persons interested in the Interfaith Advocacy Program. Please contact me if you are interested in learning more.

— Gloria Edwards