Taylor was one of several hundred people who filled the hotel ballroom for Sunday’s gala and silent auction, which raised funds for Family Promise and celebrated its June opening.
Fundraising efforts so far have netted about $100,000, Taylor said. Those funds will help support operations at the organization’s day center in Burbank, where homeless families will be able to meet with counselors and other service providers to help get them off the street.
The organization will also work with local faith organizations to provide meals and nighttime shelter for up to four families at a time.
Each week, a different congregation will host the families at church facilities and provide them with three meals per day. So far, more than 20 faith organizations in Glendale, Burbank and surrounding areas have pledged to take part.
“It’s really exciting,” said Beth Marcus, a member of the organization’s fundraising committee. “I think the congregations who are involved are waiting for this moment.”
Jenny Smith, president of the Family Promise chapter, said the nonprofit will help keep the families together and off the streets, while at the same time providing valuable opportunities for the community to work together.
“It’s something the congregation can do in their church,” she said. “It allows for participation from the whole church, not just the adults, not just their children.”
She said the opening is especially important in light of the recession, which has caused many families to lose their homes.
“There are so many people who are vulnerable,” she said. “Our economic downturn has really made a crisis for normal, everyday people.”
Get in touch MELANIE HICKEN covers City Hall. She may be reached at (818) 637-3235 or by e-mail at melanie.hicken@latimes.com.
