Family Promise Honored For Work In Berkeley And Throughout County

BERKELEY, NJ — Celebrating a local organization that helps homeless and struggling families throughout the county, the Berkeley Township Council recently proclaimed that November 2022 was "National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month" in Ocean County.

The proclamation also recognized Family Promise of Southern Ocean County for the work they do not just in Berkeley, but across the entirety of Ocean County as well. Despite the name, the group helps families throughout the whole county.

The group was honored "for the work they do to help fight family and youth homelessness and provide a safe space for those in need," according to the proclamation.

The number one homeless population in Ocean County right now is families, said the group's executive director Elizabeth Golla. With increasing costs all over, families are struggling.

"There is no shelter in Ocean County, and so families are looking anywhere they can to get help," Golla said. "And that's where Family Promise comes in."

Within the past year and a half, Family Promise has helped 1,800 individuals from becoming homeless just in Ocean County, she said.

The group partners with local school districts, including Berkeley Township, providing school supplies, food, clothing, toiletries, even Thanksgiving and Christmas help.

"It's been amazing," Golla said.