Download Becoming a Faith Partner (pdf)

Imagine LA seeks faith communities of all types to become "Faith Partners." Each Faith Partner is matched with a homeless family to get the family long-term housing, achieve self-sufficiency, and to help their children thrive.

The program begins by pairing the Faith Partner to a homeless family currently residing in nearby Transitional Housing. Next, under Imagine LA's guidance, the Transitional Housing Partner's Case Manager, the Family and the Faith Partner create a 2-year Independent Living Plan and Budget. The Plan is based on the family's goals and includes services, training, health, and nutrition. It identifies where the Faith Partner can provide services, educational and employment opportunities, and mentoring for each family member.  Based on the Plan and Budget, housing is found, the family moves in, and the apartment is furnished. Once settled, Faith Partner volunteers mentor and coach Family members to build life skills and achieve Plan goals. This is a gradual process that builds lasting relationships and self-esteem.

The Faith Partner's Role

Becoming a Faith Partner is a lay lead, volunteer driven effort with support from the clergy and staff for spiritual and communication purposes. 

The overall responsibilities of the Faith Partner are to:

1. Identify Family Support Team Leadership (1 or 2 volunteers plus staff or clergy liaison)
2. Provide $5,000 in Family Sponsorship Funds.  Funds are used for rental deposits and other expenses needed to help the Family achieve their goals. Note: matching funds are available for congregations in need and lack of funds should not hinder a Faith Community from becoming a Faith Partner.
3. Collect donations of furniture and move-in Family to their new home.  Please note: Imagine LA also has access to furniture donations to aid this process.
4. Build a Family Support Team based on specific families needs, including but not limited to:
     • Mentors for each family member
     • Career enrichment resources (computer skills, tutoring, job training and search)
     • Life skills coaching (e.g. meal planning, housecleaning, budgeting)
     • Resource teams for childcare, healthcare, transportation
5. In addition, the Faith Partner Support Team agrees to: 
     • Not pressure or require any religious activities
     • Maintain confidentiality about the Family and possibly obtain background checks
     • Not give money or gift cards directly to the Family
     • Update the congregation regularly with news of the Family's progress

Imagine LA Guides the Way 

 
For each match, Imagine LA guides the way.  We provide homeless sensitivity and mentorship training to all volunteers.  A Family Coordinator provides clear guidelines, step-by-step processes, and access to outside services while also facilitating consistent communication between all parties and keeping the team focused on achieving each Family member's goals.