The Brown family was on the verge of moving into a homeless shelter in downtown Atlanta when they received the call from Family Promise of NewRock.

Adrian Brown said he and his wife are “both children of God. We knew something was going to break through.”

The fledgling interfaith hospitality network, which aims to bring homeless families to sustainable independence, had just launched in Newton and Rockdale. Adrian Brown had heard about it from a former co-worker and the nonprofit invited the Browns to be the first family to be hosted.

Originally from Milwaukee, the family had moved to Atlanta for Adrian’s job with Metro Brokers. However, because of the economic downturn, Adrian was one of the many let go from the company when they downsized.

The Browns stayed in the network for five months, staying at each of the network churches for a week at a time and also receiving assistance job searching and searching for a place to live.

When asked to describe her experience with Family Promise, Elaine Brown explained the experience of moving and meeting new volunteers every week was physically and emotionally straining at first. “But then it was spiritual. And we’re spiritual people1 and I'm glad that they’re helping people and families.”

“If I didn’t know God and I didn’t know his word — I’d be a mess,” said Elaine. “Family Promise] is a very good program for people and families in need of help, for families in transition. Not even just for housing but also spiritually too. We have never met so much genuine people, from all the churches.”

Family Promise of NewRock program has grown tremendously since it launched last year. The program is made up of 15 churches, with three support churches, in both Rockdale and Newton counties. Within the past year, Family Promise has helped 15 different families, of which consisted of 18 adults and 38 children.

The churches are Epiphany Lutheran, Rockdale Baptist, St. Pius X Catholic Church, Smyrna Presbyterian, First Baptist Church of Conyers, Conyers First United Methodist Life Church, Conyers Presbyterian, Trinity Baptist, Rockdale Alliance Church, Milstead Baptist, Grace United Methodist, Heritage Hills Baptist, Rockdale Community Church, Haven Fellowship Church, Allen Memorial UMC and Christ Community Church.

Family Promise of NewRock Director Erin White said the biggest difference from one year ago is they know more about the resources that are available in the community, but are also much more aware of the lack of resources within the community.

“We need community support from volunteers to businesses that would be willing to walk along side our families and that our families are worth the investment,” White said.

These days, the Browns have much to be thankful for. Elaine found a job at the Sweet and Savory restaurant in Conyers and their three youngest kids are adjusting nicely to their new home and schools. Adrian acquired a temp job, which he recently completed, and is currently looking for employment.

“All I can say is that it’s a wonderful program for families, single moms, single dads, the kids,” Elaine said. “I feel blessed because God put us right in his bosom. He’s taking care of us and I’m thankful for that.”

For more information, visit familypromiseofnewrock.org or call Family Promise of NewRock Network Director Erin White at (770) 262-7816.