Buzzell: Family Promise of Houston County puts brakes on homelessness

Most people are probably surprised when they hear that Houston County is touched by the common growing problem of homelessness plaguing communities nationwide. But a local organization called Family Promise is raising awareness about homelessness in Middle Georgia and helping to raise funds to tackle the issue.

“We strive to end homelessness one family at a time,” Dave Razo, a member of Family Promise, said. “Our stated mission is to mobilize congregations and partner with social agencies in order to help families obtain independent, self-sustainable living,” he explains.

Their success rate indicates that their efforts are working.

“We have had 25 families enter our program in the past two years, touching 31 adults and 57 children,” Razo said. He reports that 100 percent of the families had at least one adult family member with an income when they finished the program and 85 percent of the families had moved into their own home.

“We want to invite everyone out to our annual fundraising event called Car City -- Putting the Brakes on Homelessness,” Razo said. Participants are offered the opportunity to actually experience homelessness by spending the night in their own car while raising funds in order to continue the Family Promise mission of ending homelessness locally. Business sponsorships are available on several contribution levels while all donations are welcome to participate in the Car City event.

“People are so generous in Houston County, which is greatly appreciated,” Razo said. “Last year, I approached my own Warner Robins Rotary Club to sponsor me, which resulted in $500 being raised for Family Promise.”

He said that 60 cars participated last year, and this year the goal is to get 100 vehicles to particpate.

Starting at 5 p.m. Sept. 25 and ending Sept. 26 in the morning, Car City -- Putting the Brakes on Homelessness will be held at Central Georgia Technical College in the Building A Parking Lot at 80 Cohen Walker Drive in Warner Robins. The festivities begin that Friday with live band entertainment, dance teams, soup for dinner and hot chocolate with roasted marshmallows as everyone watches a movie under the stars. After spending the night in their own vehicle, participants will be served a continental breakfast at 7 a.m Saturday.

There will also be a “Decorate Your Vehicle Contest” as part of the event.

Those who want to help but cannot sleep overnight in a vehicle may also participate by raising pledges as a “backseat driver.” All donations are tax deductible and support the local community initiative.

Family Promise Houston County is a nonprofit organization providing temporary housing for homeless children and their families. The national organization was founded in 1986. Since then they have been dedicated to housing the homeless overnight at host congregations and providing counseling services with professional social workers. They also assist in job placement, giving care and support for the families as they seek employment and permanent housing. Family Promise is funded by donations, grants and fundraising events such as the Car City event.

To enter the Car City event and to learn how to be a sponsor of Car City -- Putting the Brakes Homelessness contact Dave Razo at familypromisehoco@gmail.com or visit the website at www.familypromisehoustonco.org.

Marsha Priest Buzzell is the executive director of the Warner Robins Convention & Visitors Bureau and may contacted by calling 478-922-5100 or emailing cvb@wrga.gov.

This story was originally published September 1, 2015 at 3:48 PM with the headline "Buzzell: Family Promise of Houston County puts brakes on homelessness ."