Family Promise of Bryan County held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday for the opening of their new location at 177 Spruce St. in Richmond Hill. The event was followed by an open house that evening and then again on Saturday.

The new Family Promise house allows the non-profit organization the capacity to host two families. Each family gets a room that holds up to five people and both families share a restroom. It also has an onsite suite for Family Promise representatives. The first family moved in over the weekend.

“There’s 88 school children in Bryan County that identify as homeless and the majority of them are right here in Richmond Hill," said Chris Hasson, Family Promise of Bryan County Board Chairwoman. "When you let that sink in a little bit, that’s a little scary. Most people say they had no idea. So the fields are ripe and there’s a lot that we need to be doing and everybody coming together in the community is how this happens.”

Family Promise of Bryan County is asking that the local community donate items like diapers, paper towels, tissues, toilet paper, detergent, trash bags and cleaning supplies. Furniture and clothing donations are not required but can be exchanged for vouchers at Goodwill.

Monetary donations are also needed. A $1,500 donation will be enough to pay rent on the new property and provide for the families for one month.

Family Promise’s mission includes integrating educational outreach, smart programming, effective policies, and the hands-on work of thousands of volunteers. Along with host congregations, they provide food, shelter, and support services for homeless families and advice and advocacy for at-risk families to prevent their becoming homeless.

For inquiries about donations or volunteer opportunities please e-mail Chris Hasson at ckhassonfamilypromise@yahoo.com or call (912) 445-4021.