Our
History
1986
Karen Olson realized there was a need to help support the homeless in her community in tangible ways. She brought together people in need and people who wanted to help.
Existing community resources could provide shelter, meals, and housing.
National Interfaith Hospitality Network to Family Promise, to reflect our broad range of programs and our vision of ending family homelessness. Family Promise affiliates open around the country serving homeless families nationwide.
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2003
Shepherd of the Valley's summer lunch program identified homeless families in need, prompting Pastor Tari and Father Pat Travers to explore adopting the Family Promise model to address family homelessness in Juneau. Community members met to discuss establishing a local affiliate, advancing efforts to combat family homelessness in the area.
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2014
FPJ opens in April with two families. Shannon Fisher steps in as interim director, later becoming permanent in July. FPJ reaches 1000 bed nights in December.
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2017
Four families transitioned to housing after an average stay of 74 days, securing two full-time jobs. They served 6 families, 23 individuals, and 11 children, providing 1710 bed nights and 5130 meals.
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2018
Throughout 2018, FPJ) saw significant growth and community engagement. The annual Halibut Dinner in February broke records, raising $20,000. The first anniversary in April marked all families from the inaugural year graduating into housing. FPJ served nine families in total, comprising 33 individuals, including 18 children, with six families securing housing by the year's end.
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Halibut Dinner and Silent Auction, raise $19,396. Policy and Procedure Manual is adopted in October. Katti Carlson accepted the role of Executive Director, succeeding Shannon Fisher. The year saw successful fundraisers like the First Annual Pulled Pork Picnic and the Taste of Promise.
FPJ served nine families, facilitating six successful transitions to permanent housing.
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2019
Key events included the Fifth Annual Halibut Dinner and Auction, raising close to $30,000 before COVID restrictions. FPJ adapted its operations, including launching the Rapid Rehousing Program.
Despite the absence of traditional fundraisers due to COVID, FPJ received significant CARES Act funding, facilitating the purchase of a building for offices and a day center. FPJ housed eight families in shelters, with seven successfully transitioning to permanent housing, while also serving 17 families.
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2020
Despite COVID challenges, FPJ held productive board retreats and virtual meetings. Successful fundraising events, like takeaway barbecues and online auctions, raised substantial funds. Notably, all families served found long-term housing, with prevention services effectively averting homelessness for 95% of those assisted.