An Intentional Pause. A Stronger Future.
Family Promise of Augusta Is Entering an 18-Month Strategic Pause
For nearly 30 years, Family Promise of Augusta has been committed to helping families experiencing homelessness move toward stability, self-sufficiency, and lasting independence.
As we look toward the future, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to enter an 18-month strategic pause in our traditional shelter operations. This pause began on August 1, 2026.
This decision comes in response to financial challenges and reflects our commitment to responsible stewardship, long-term sustainability, and the families we are called to serve.
This is not the end of our mission.
Instead, this is a purposeful season of restructuring, rebuilding, and fundraising so that Family Promise of Augusta can emerge stronger, more sustainable, and better equipped to serve families for years to come.
What Will Happen During the Strategic Pause?
Our work during these 18 months will center around two primary priorities:
Restructure
We will thoughtfully evaluate our programs, operations, partnerships, and financial model. Rather than simply returning to the way things were, we want to use this time to build a stronger and more sustainable foundation for the future.
We will ask important questions about how Family Promise can best use its facilities, resources, volunteers, community relationships, and programs to meet the changing needs of families in our community.
Rebuild Financial Strength
We will also undertake a significant fundraising effort to strengthen the financial foundation of Family Promise of Augusta.
Our goal is to raise $650,000 during this strategic period. These funds will help us address existing financial obligations, strengthen our operations, and establish the stability necessary for the organization’s next chapter.
This isn’t simply about raising money to reopen. It is about creating a financial foundation that will allow Family Promise to operate responsibly and sustainably into the future.
Our Mission Continues
Although our traditional shelter operations are pausing, our commitment to families is not.
During this strategic period, we will seek meaningful and financially sustainable opportunities to continue helping families through the resources, facilities, volunteers, and community relationships available to us.
Our work may look different during these 18 months, but the heart of our mission remains the same.
We will also strengthen relationships with other agencies, churches, ministries, and community organizations so that together we can create a stronger network of support for families experiencing housing instability.
Where appropriate, we will explore opportunities to share Family Promise resources and facilities with community partners whose work aligns with our mission.
Serving Our Community During the Pause
While our traditional shelter program is paused, Family Promise will continue exploring opportunities to make a meaningful difference in our community.
These may include:
- Hosting supply drives to help meet practical needs in our community.
- Coordinating seasonal assistance for families, including Christmas outreach.
- Collaborating with churches, ministries, and community organizations.
- Exploring opportunities to provide or coordinate case-management support when financially sustainable.
- Exploring ways Family Promise properties and transitional spaces could help partner organizations serve families between housing placements.
Each opportunity will be carefully evaluated to make sure it aligns with our mission, available resources, financial capacity, and long-term goals.
Building a Sustainable Future
Our goal is not simply to reopen our doors.
Our goal is to reopen stronger.
During the strategic pause, we will work toward our overall fundraising goal of $650,000. A significant part of that effort will be directed toward eliminating the debt on our building and establishing the operating reserves needed to give Family Promise a stronger financial foundation.
We believe responsible stewardship today will make greater impact possible tomorrow.
As our strategic plan develops, we will continue refining these priorities and communicating with our donors, congregations, volunteers, and community partners about how their support is helping build a sustainable future for Family Promise.
What Does This Mean for Families Seeking Shelter?
During the strategic pause, Family Promise of Augusta’s traditional shelter program is not accepting families for shelter placement.
We recognize how important it is for families experiencing homelessness or housing instability to find help quickly.
We encourage families needing immediate assistance to contact United Way’s 211 (simply dial 211 on your phone) for information about currently available resources and services.
To Our Volunteers, Churches, Donors, and Community Partners
Family Promise of Augusta exists because this community has repeatedly answered the call to serve families in need.
For nearly three decades, churches have opened their doors. Volunteers have given their time. Donors have provided resources. Businesses and organizations have partnered with us. And countless individuals have believed that every child deserves a safe place to call home.
We need that community now more than ever.
During this strategic pause, we invite you to remain connected to Family Promise.
Stay informed. Continue to advocate for families. Participate in outreach opportunities as they become available. Help us rebuild relationships throughout our community. And, if you are able, consider investing financially in the future of Family Promise of Augusta.
Support Our Future Stay Connected
Looking Ahead to 2028
There is special significance to what lies ahead.
At the conclusion of this 18-month strategic pause, our hope is to reopen in February 2028—the 30th anniversary of Family Promise serving the Augusta community.
We want that anniversary to represent more than a milestone.
We want it to mark a new beginning.
Our vision is to enter our next 30 years stronger financially, more deeply connected to our community, and better prepared to help even more families achieve lasting stability.
Family Promise of Augusta still has valuable resources, committed volunteers, strong community relationships, and, most importantly, a deep desire to serve families.
We intend to steward those gifts wisely during this season.
Through collaboration, responsible stewardship, and the generosity of our community, we believe Family Promise of Augusta can emerge from this strategic pause stronger than before—ready to serve families with renewed strength, stability, and purpose.
Stay Connected
We are committed to keeping our community informed throughout this strategic pause.
Please stay connected with Family Promise of Augusta for updates about our progress, community outreach opportunities, partnerships, fundraising efforts, and plans for the future.