139 Davie students experience homelessness; wear a tacky sweater to help!

Published 1:19 pm Thursday, October 20, 2022

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Put on your tacky Christmas sweater and get into the holiday spirit at Family Promise of Davie County’s annual fundraiser, A Promise of Christmas, at The Farm at Oak Hill on Nov. 19 from 6-9 p.m.

The evening will consist of catered food, a tacky Christmas sweater contest, and a silent/live auction.

All funds raised will support work to address the issue of family homelessness. Family Promise provides prevention services before families reach crisis, shelter and case management when they become homeless, and stabilization programs once they have secured housing to ensure they remain independent.

“Because of COVID, this will be our first in-person fundraiser since 2019. Our calls seeking assistance are up 234% from this time last year. We are really hoping for a great turnout at our event,” said Lisa Reynolds, executive director.

During the 2021-2022 school year, 139 Davie County students were identified as experiencing homelessness. Family homelessness is often an invisible crisis with families couch surfing, doubling up with friends, or staying at local motels.

“Just because you cannot see it on the street doesn’t mean it isn’t happening here,” Reynolds said.

Family Promise is celebrating 5 years of serving Davie County. Since opening their doors in 2017, they have served over 520 families. Family Promise’s programs are successful with 90% of participants being stably housed one year after receiving assistance.

Tickets to A Promise of Christmas are $65 and are on sale now at www.familypromisedc.org/events. Contact Reynolds at lisa@familypromisedc.org for more information.