Family Promise of NewRock, a local branch of a nationally known program, is looking for at least nine more churches to be part of a network that would temporarily house families in transition.

Their next meeting is on March 9 at 7 pm at Epiphany Lutheran Church on Ga. Highway 20 in Conyers.

The four churches committed to participating are Epiphany Lutheran, Smyrna Presbyterian Church, Oasis of Hope Church of God, and St. Pius X Catholic Church.

With 160 affiliates across the country, Family Promise networks have been providing shelter, meals and support services to families without homes for over 20 years. One of their programs, an Interfaith Hospitality Network, involves thirteen host churches and the aid of social service agencies. In the network, participating churches provide shelter for one week per quarter for up to 14 guests. The applicants are screened for background, and dependency issues. Those with dependency issues are provided access to programs that are set up for them.

According to Carey, six more churches in the Rockdale area are going through the evaluation process, and the program is also looking for churches in Newton County.

Carey also said Family Promise founder Karen Olson would be visiting on April 16 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Epiphany Lutheran because of the local program's rapid development. "The typical affiliate takes about 18-24 months and we are almost 10 months ahead of that curve," said Carey.

For more information on Family Promise of NewRock, go to www.familypromiseofnewrock.org or www.familypromise.org for information on the national program. You can also contact Carey at 678-607-1589. Donations may be sent to P.O. Box P.O. Box 81551, Conyers,
GA 30013.