New name, same services helping the homeless

By SUZANNE MOORE
Features Editor

April 11, 2008 04:00 am

— PLATTSBURGH -- Family Promise of Clinton County isn't a name that resonates here quite yet.
"I'm having to say Family Promise of Clinton County, formerly known as the Greater Plattsburgh Interfaith Hospitality Network," laughed Executive Director Maureen Bradish.
The name change was merely a formality, she said. When the local Hospitality Network was formed about five years ago, the national organization under which it operated -- Interfaith Hospitality Network -- was in the process of assuming the moniker Family Promise and asked all its chapters to do the same.
"But I didn't want to change our name right after opening," Bradish said.
After all, she said, the North Country was just getting to know the interfaith organization that provides homeless families with temporary shelter and helps them get back on their feet again. Since then, the group has established itself, with numerous faith communities taking turns to house families for a week at a time or to partner with those that do so.
"We're getting a lot more volunteers," the director said.
COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS
But the need is growing, as well.
"We used to get a little lull every once in a while," Bradish said. "I don't think we've had that in over a year."
Many of the people who find themselves needing the services of Family Promise have jobs, she said, but just don't make enough to keep up with rising costs for needs such as gasoline to travel to and from work.
For some, Bradish said, it's a matter of deciding what to do without when it comes to paying for necessities such as gas, food or medical care.
She just worked with a single mom, helping the woman find a new apartment.
"She couldn't afford her rent where she was before; she got behind," Bradish said.
And so she and her three children were evicted.
The woman found a better job, but even so, the $650-a-month rent is barely what she can pay.
Missing work due to illness is just not an option, said the Family Promise director.
"And we're just hoping the economy keeps up, so she still has a job."
MORE HELP NEEDED
Family Promise relies on grants and United Way funds to operate. Bradish is hopeful Sen. Betty Little and Assemblywoman Janet Duprey will respond favorably to recent requests for funding.
"We're having to fund-raise to make ends meet," she said.
McDonald's restaurant hosted an event for the group this week, and upcoming on June 8 is the annual golf tournament.
As well, Family Promise is always in need of volunteers to stay overnight with families.
"I've had so many people tell me that's the easiest thing," Bradish said. "You go in, you sleep, and you're done."
Another way to assist the group is with muscle power when clients move into their new homes.
"A lot of our families don't have parents or cousins they can call to help move," she said. "It's usually just me."
smoore@pressrepublican.com

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