Sherman's Successful Journey Home

"My name is Sherman Holloway, I am young African-American male and a single father. I have two  wonderful children named Jeremiah and Shamiah. I lost my apartment in Dover because I didn’t take my responsibilities seriously. I helped the wrong people and I paid for it. I realized I needed to change my attitude and my ways to change my life.

Once I lost my apartment me and my kids had nowhere to go. My spirits were crushed and the stress was unbearable. Luckily I met a man named Mr. Mike, and he provided hotel vouchers, which got us off the street and put a roof over our heads for a few nights. After a few nights I was able to get referred to Family Promise. I strongly believe in God and I knew he wouldn’t leave me, but faith alone is not enough. I had to change my ways and take responsibility for myself and my children.

In April of 2019 I was blessed with a free ride to Family Promise, and had a meeting with a lovely lady named Felicia who did my intake. I remember her asking me how was I going to bounce back and I told her I don’t know but I can show you. In the beginning I was kind of lazy and discouraged. Once I talked to Miss Felicia about my problems she didn’t hesitate to help me. In her heart she believed in me and she knew I needed a little push.

When I felt nervous or discouraged, Miss Felicia would tell me it would be alright, and that if I put the work in, things would work out. I appreciate Miss Felicia’s dedication and care to assist me during this hard time. Miss Felicia reminds me of my mother, she was hard on me but she would go over and beyond for me. Miss Felicia and Family Promise believed in me and that’s when I said, I must be fearless no matter what, I will not stop, I will not give up until my kids have a roof over their head’s. Family Promise lifted my spirits and I was able to love myself and become a better parent. Going to different churches to sleep was fun, it felt like we weren’t even in a shelter, it felt like a resort because everyone, all of the volunteers were just so kind. Their positive attitudes really motivated me to move forward.

But I couldn’t get comfortable because it was temporary.  The staff at the churches were very caring, loving, and giving. They made sure that each night we were stuffed like turkeys.

I was blessed with a job at Zoup. I only worked there for four days because my performance was poor. I was discouraged but I couldn’t give up, poor performance wouldn’t change my situation. Then I got a job at McDonald’s and I said OK, now I have to take this serious and work hard.  I wanted a stable job so I could provide for my kids. My performance improved and I kept this job. Soon after pulling everything together, I was approved for housing assistance and Miss Felicia helped me find an apartment. Almost an entire year later, I’m managing my finances, maintaining my housing, and I even landed a great job as a security guard at Allied Universal after obtaining my security license.

Family Promise was more than a program, they were a blessing. I’m proud of my accomplishments and who I have become, thanks to Family Promise".  

Sherman was the proud recipient of a vehicle donation back in February. He is pictured with his wonderful Case Manager Felicia. 

Sherman is pictured with his Case Manager Felicia

COVID 19 Relief Fundraiser

The COVID-19 outbreak is single-handedly disrupting our communities and simultaneously straining our social safety net. As restaurants close and businesses cease operations, many Delawareans are losing their livelihoods. One in seven adults in the U.S. lives in official poverty; approximately 40% of all households are unable to cover an unexpected $400 expense. If COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc on our communities, it's likely many Delawareans will be unemployed for quite some time. With many households living paycheck to paycheck, the consequences of unemployment can be dire - leading to housing instability and potentially homelessness if steps aren't taken now. 

Social services providers are furiously working to address the uptick in need. Family Promise of Northern New Castle County is working with as many families as we can to prevent them from losing their housing during this crisis. Families like Rhonda's - Read her story below. 

In conjunction with Family Promise National and over 150+ Family Promise Affiliates, we are launching a COVID-19 Relief Fundraiser. The purpose is to raise enough funds to minimize the effects COVID-19 is currently having on families in our shelters. Funds will also be used to keep families currently housed in their housing as they struggle remain stably housed in the face of widespread unemployment. 

We may all be self isolating, but there is no greater time to come together as a community than now - together we can ensure our community's most vulnerable families aren't alone and have our support. 

COVID 19 Response

Dear Community Partner,

We responded to the coronavirus outbreak in a letter to our congregation partners two weeks ago to announce the closing of our rotational hospitality network as a result of local church closings.  The families we were sheltering at that time joined four families we are hosting at the Hospitality Center.  We are currently sheltering six families and helping so many additional community families being affected by job loss and other issues through our other programs. We continue to take proactive steps to prevent coronavirus (COVID-19) and to be ready to respond if needed. The health and safety of our volunteers, guests and staff remains of immeasurable importance to us.

While none of our staff, volunteers, or guests have tested positive for the virus, we have taken the following steps:

• Staff is working on a staggered schedule and staff and guests are practicing social distancing and telecommuting and teleconferencing with families as much as able.

• Volunteers are limited to the drop off of meals and supplies.

• Sanitizing common areas daily and guests are sanitizing before and after meals.

• Met with each of our guests to speak to them about how to prevent an infection, the symptoms of COVID-19, and what to do if they feel sick.

• Purchased supplies such as hand sanitizer, disinfectant, wipes, thermometers, and masks (though none have arrived) and over-the-counter medicine to prevent and prepare.

• Have a comprehensive plan to manage a family that tests positive for the virus.

• Continue to operate our community programs that serve families experiencing homelessness and be sure recent graduates have stabilization assistance.

 It is critical that we maintain open and honest communication during this public health challenge. If anyone coming in contact with someone at Family Promise is confirmed to have the virus, please let me know immediately so that we can address the situation. We will also let you know if any of our staff, volunteers, or guests are confirmed to have the virus. Continuing to work with local official directives during this time, we are an organization that provides essential services, and remain open to serve families experiencing homelessness.If you are interested in the specifics of my comprehensive plan, feel free to reach out.

Thank you for all you do to help Family Promise and our families, especially when we need it most!  It is my wish that we weather this challenge together, with courage and compassion.Kind Regards,

Cheryl Christiansen

Executive Director