The journey of one family from an Alaska village to the Mat-Su and back again included living in their car, camping in a tent, and landing at Family Promise Mat-Su. What happened at the end of their journey through homelessness is the ultimate success story — and one I would like to share.
“Steve” and “Rene” met in their southern village, where Rene had been living with an abuser. With her three young boys, Rene and Steve decided they should move. They made their way to Wasilla, along with their dog, “Duke.” The summer they arrived, they tented at various campgrounds until the weather became colder. That’s when they contacted Family Promise Mat-Su.
Family Promise is a nationwide organization addressing homeless families in communities in 43 states. There are over 2,000 volunteers providing meals, evening activities, housing, and compassionate care to countless children and their attached adults throughout the U.S., with Alaska providing services in Juneau and Wasilla.
Steve and Rene entered the program without a job, transportation, or the hope of finding affordable housing. Within six weeks, Steve found all three and moved his family into their new home. Family Promise Mat-Su celebrated their success and helped with their first month’s rent. We looked forward to catching up with them during our after-care follow-up.
Steve and Rene contacted Family Promise Mat-Su again after the following summer. Their update saddened our hearts, as they explained they were living in a tent again. Their previous home was riddled with neighbors who were actively using drugs and alcohol, and they did not want their children raised around such influences. They needed our help again, but this time they desired to return to their village. Steve accepted a job on the North Slope but did not want to leave his family in a homeless situation, knowing winter would be arriving soon.
Meanwhile, Family Promise Mat-Su had just interviewed a new board member who happened to be a pilot. During his interview, “Dave” mentioned that one of his desires would be to help a family return to a village as his contribution to our cause. I immediately put Dave in touch with Steve and Rene.
It took a little coordination, but Steve, Rene, three boys, and their dog are all home in their village. The boys are happy in school and are living in the home they left behind the previous year.
I received a phone call from Karen Olson, founder of Family Promise, who is writing a book about the beginnings of this organization. She was looking for success stories unique to Alaska. I believe this one qualifies.
— Ginger Bear
Executive director, Family Promise Mat-Su
Wasilla
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