Family Promise of Sussex County Receives $5,000 Grant from FirstEnergy

Newton, N.J. — Family Promise of Sussex County received a $5,000 grant from the FirstEnergy Foundation to support the agency’s emergency shelter program.

The FirstEnergy Foundation invests in transformative causes that enhance the vitality, sustainability and diversity of communities served by FirstEnergy’s operating companies, including Jersey Central Power & Light. The Foundation is a past supporter of Family Promise, having previously provided funding for case management and supportive services.

The recently awarded grant will be used to support the Housing Hope Emergency shelter. This program includes two one-bedroom units that provide temporary emergency housing to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, along with the supportive services and case management that assist with the transition to permanent housing. The Housing Hope program also includes emergency hotel or motel stays for clients who are extremely vulnerable and urgently in need of shelter when the apartments are full. This service is vital during the bitterly cold winter weather the county sees every year.

Donations from organizations like the FirstEnergy Foundation are essential to supporting individuals and families who are experiencing a housing crisis. Homelessness is a growing problem across the country as housing costs continue to rise to unreasonable levels and inflation makes it increasingly difficult to afford necessities like food, medication and utilities. Sussex County saw a 137% increase in homelessness between 2022 and 2023, and the state of New Jersey saw a 17% increase in that same period. People in our community are struggling, and grants from FirstEnergy Foundation and similar organizations help FPSC meet the increasing need for housing support in the community.

About Family Promise of Sussex County

The mission of Family Promise of Sussex County is to secure housing stability and sustainability for those in crisis…because everyone deserves a home. Our vision is that every individual and family shall have a home, a livelihood, and the chance to build a better future. We offer many services and a dedicated team of professionals that are available to assist our clients in attaining these goals. To learn more visit us at https://familypromisesussex.org or our offices in Newton, Sparta and Sussex or contact us at 973-579-1180 or fpsc@familypromisesussex.org.