PMC & Family Promise

Volunteering with Family Promise

PMC's Family Promise Host Dates 2025:
  • March 23-30
  • May 25 - June 1
  • September 28 - October 5
  • November 9-16

We will need dinner cooks, supper servers, evening hosts and overnight hosts, as well grocery shoppers and setup/cleanup helpers. All in-person volunteers need to have a background check and do a volunteer training (information below).

Online Training:
If you cannot attend an in-person training, you may complete the online training instead. The Family Promise National Volunteer Training Platform is available to you online 24/7, accessible by computer, tablet, or cell phone. You can find the training through the link below. To do the training, you must first create a sign-in. It will then direct you to 3 windows entitled Volunteer 101, Volunteer 102 and DEI. You are required to complete 101 and 102 and are also encouraged to complete DEI as well. The platform allows you to stop or pause your training at any point and then quickly resume the training module you were on. After you complete the Volunteer 101 training course, you will be asked to complete a survey and a volunteer information form embedded in the training. Please do this step. It allows you to be matched with Family Promise of Metro East. Volunteer data will never be shared or sold.

​When you have completed this training, please let Susan Voss-Rothmeier know ([email protected]).

​​At Portland Mennonite Church, we are honored to be part of an effort in NE and SE Portland to bring Family Promise to our area. 

​What is Family Promise?

​Family Promise is a rotating family shelter. Communities—usually churches—come together to provide overnight shelter to three to four families at a time. Each church or organization takes one week every quarter, providing meals, hospitality, and safe, separate sleeping areas for each family.

​Has this been done before?

​YES! Family Promise has 200 affiliates in 43 states. That’s 200 other groups doing what we’re trying to do here in Portland. Currently there are four Family Promise affiliates in the greater Portland area (Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tualatin and Vancouver).

​​Is another family shelter needed in Portland?

There is a great need for more shelter for families experiencing houselessness in Portland. Our own congregation experienced this firsthand a few years ago as we saw how difficult it was for a family we were partnering with to get into shelter.

How can I help?

​We would love for you to join us. Here are some opportunities:
  • Bring dinner for the families.
  • Be an overnight host.
  • Be an evening host.
  • Help setup and breakdown for our host week.
  • Serve at a sister church during their Family Promise week.
  • We also welcome our neighbors who would like to serve!​
Have questions: Contact, Susan Voss-Rothmeier (Portland Metro East Board Liaison)
Informational forum / 3-13-22