Family Promise helps families experiencing homelessness in Chicagoland

CHICAGO - A nonprofit is fighting homelessness as it continues to grow throughout Chicagoland.

Family Promise Chicago North Shore, a nonprofit in the area, is working to ensure families have a warm home throughout the year.

Anita Raggs is a single mom of two. Not long ago, she found herself with a work injury and in a spot where she couldn't afford housing anymore.

She was stuck but found Family Promise at the right time.

"We ended up losing everything. And I didn’t know where to turn, and I made calls, and it was a blessing that I reached out to Family Promise, and Miss Tracy really took us in and helped us out, and she helped me grow," said Raggs. 

Just as they’ve helped Anita, Family Promise has helped families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness stay together and get back on their feet.

"We want to serve all of those families; we want to get them connected to whatever resources that are available to help them maintain their housing," said Tracy McKeithen, executive director for Family Promise Chicago North Shore.

The team helped Anita with housing and found an apartment she paid for at her own pace.

"We want to keep it normal so that they can continue to take care and provide for their children," said McKeithen. 

The nonprofit is helping six families now.

Most are just as motivated as Anita to get back on track.

"They need a helping hand for a short period of time, to help them get back on their feet," said McKeithen. 

"Hold on, people hear you, change is going to come, believe and stay strong. If you’re going through this, be consistent," said Raggs. 

In 2024, they hope to help even more families and develop additional programs.

For more information about what Family Promise offers, or to donate, visit familypromisechicagons.org.