Building communities, strengthening lives.

Transforming the lives of children and their families at risk of or experiencing homelessness because we believe that every child deserves a home.

Family Promise of Sarasota-Manatee is a nonprofit, nondenominational organization affiliated with the nationally renowned Family Promise organization. Family Promise of Sarasota-Manatee, or FPSM, is one of nearly 200 affiliates across the nation, working to ensure that children and their families have safe, stable housing.

Founded in 2008, FPSM operated successfully until 2017 and then stood down as the number of families experiencing homelessness receded. However, in response to the housing and economic impacts of Covid-19, Family Promise of Sarasota-Manatee reopened its doors and began to support area families once again.

OUR STORY

Families are the fastest growing group facing housing instability and homelessness across our region. Since reopening to serve in 2020, Family Promise of Sarasota-Manatee has helped more than 500 area children and their 200+ families achieve stable housing, and a safe place to call home. To date, and despite the highest rise in rents across the region, 98% of families participating in FPSM programs have successfully remained in safe, stable housing.

CHILDREN FACING HOMELESSNESS

Currently, there are over 1,200 school-aged children in Sarasota County who are documented as “homeless.”

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED YEARLY

In any given year, over 10,000 hours are contributed by about 200 volunteers. Your time and talents are greatly appreciated.

FAMILIES REMAIN IN SAFE, STABLE HOUSING

98% of our families facing homelessness make it back to their own homes.

Our Success Story

Our goal is to end housing insecurity and homelessness for children and their families. We measure our work on 3 critical factors; how well are we doing our job? Metrics are surveyed by an outside, independent agency.

  • 96% of families served since 2020 report that they are still safely, sustainably housed
  • 99% of families report that their children lost zero days of school related to homelessness or lack of appropriate shelter
  • 100% of families reporting agree that their income, assets or benefits have increased based on strategies and interventions learned from FPSM case management and referrals.
“No one understands the exhaustion of being homeless. Every moment is spent in high stress, crying, wondering where the next meal is coming from, where the safe place to sleep will be, the number of calls you have to make each day to try and get safety. Family Promise of Sarasota changed it all; my children and I slept 13 hours the first night, we were safe at last. We’ve come so far, we’re safe and I know we will never be homeless again. My life is completely different now, and we are so grateful.”
Bethanny
Mother of two
“Thank you for my bed! It’s my favorite thing cuz it’s so soft and colorful. I love that I have my own mattress now I lay on it even to color pictures. “
Layla
Age 8
“Family Promise of Sarasota-Manatee provides us with clients who understand their rights and responsibilities as tenants. We have never had a problem with any of the tenants placed in our properties.”
Ric R.
BlueStar Property Management

Support our Work

There are so many ways to get involved. Donations of all kinds are always welcome – click the “donate” button below as one way to give. You can also help by donating gift cards, gas cards, non-perishable food items, or by purchasing much-needed items from our Amazon Wish List.