2009

    Family Promise is a community response to prevent individuals & families from becoming homeless. Washington County is one of 200+ affiliates in 43 states-and one of 11 in Wisconsin-that serve the homeless. Nationally, Family Promise has been providing shelter since 1987.

    Family Promise of Washington County was started in 2009 

    2010

    Family Promise formed the Interfaith Hospitality Network made up of multiple congregations in the county. They agreed to help us provide overnight services for families night to night in a weekly rotation.

    2014

    Family Promise obtained the Elm St. building, which was built in 1892. This provided a Day Center space for families during the day. Family Promise was also able to add 8 supportive housing units for those with stronger barriers needing more stability prior to finding their own permanent housing.

    2018

    Karl’s Place

    In February of 2018, Karl’s Place opened. Karl’s Place is a shelter that serves single men & women at risk of homelessness. The singles shelter addresses a gap services in our community, bringing together shelter, meals, basic health services, and quality case management for individuals at risk of homelessness. Karl’s Place also has 4 supportive apartments for transitioned guests.

    2020

    As the Interfaith Hospitality Network shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic and as the Elm St. location continues to get older by the day, with the increase in families needing shelter in that building, the expansion to the Water St. location is crucial in order to adequately serve families experiencing homelessness just as we do for our individual men and women.

    2022

    We received a Community Development Block Grant specifically due to the COVID-19 pandemic (CDBG-CV) to help develop a 10,000+ square feet expansion for healthy and safe spaces. The CDBG-CV grant is in the total of $2 Million to complete the new building expansion of Family Promise of Washington County at our 450 E. Water St. location.

    October 28, 2022 – Ground breaking

    2024

    The new, expanded Promise Center, officially located at 450 E Water Street in West Bend, WI, opened at the start of the year. This finished construction offers shelter for men, women and families, as well as a walk-in resource center for community members at large. All homelessness services and offices are now in one convenient location, providing safety, security and expanded support for those in need.