Congregation Spotlight: Brea Congregational United Church of Christ

This week’s Congregation Spotlight focuses on another one of our host congregations, Brea Congregational United Church of Christ, located in Brea, California. The congregation is led by Reverend Sarah Averette-Phillips. Brea Congregational United Church of Christ’s mission highlights the power of God manifested through Jesus Christ.

This congregation actively creates a peaceful and empowering environment so that members are able to engage with the community and can fully participate and learn from the teachings of Jesus Christ and each other. The congregation strives to “provide an environment of peace, social justice, personal empowerment, and spiritual growth, and to dedicate ourselves to the care of God’s Creation.”

Brea Congregational began partnering with Family Promise of Orange County in 2019. They now host our families several times a year, often two weeks at a time. The ministry at the church is led by Coordinators Ann Marshall and Carol This, and they are supported by a wonderful core group of volunteers. When they are not hosting our families, the congregation continues to be active supporters of our program year-round by providing much needed donations and support for our families.

Thank you Brea Congregational for your partnership!

Happy Father’s Day

Not only do we get to kick off summer today, but we also get to celebrate all of the great fathers and father figures in our lives! Happy Father’s Day to the special dads out there!

Today we recognize the importance that fathers and father figures have in a family dynamic. It is vital for people to appreciate and express gratitude for the influence fathers have had on their children and significant others. Family Promise of Orange County recognizes the special roles fathers play in their children’s lives and is thankful for all they do to make a difference. We’ve had three families this year enter our program that are single-father households!

Fathers and father figures can have significant impacts on the lives of their children and those around them. Studies have shown that when a father provides words of affirmation, emotional support, and affection towards their children, those kids not only gain self-confidence, but also improve their cognitive development and social skills. All people, especially children, are influenced by those whom they spend time with in their daily lives, and father-child relationships play a valuable role in the lives of growing children. (Source: Pediatricsoffranklin.com)

Family Promise of Orange County commends fathers who have shown immense strength, bravery, and patience when dealing with the stress and challenges of experiencing homelessness. Today and every day, we are inspired by fathers and father figures helping their families be the best they can and continue to support those in need of a safe and healthy home.

The COVID-19 Pandemic & Housing Instability

Over the past year, families have faced many challenges when dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only has the pandemic caused extreme amounts of stress with regard to people’s health and well-being, but it has taken a toll on businesses, family dynamics, housing, and more.

Family Promise of Orange County recognizes how difficult the past year has been for families who have been affected by the pandemic and have not been able to maintain a safe home environment for their families. It takes immense courage and strength to seek out help and take the steps necessary to improve one’s living situation.

The housing crisis in America affects families all across the country, and many more families are currently facing homelessness due to the pandemic. During the spring of 2020, it was concluded that the national unemployment rate rose to 14.7%, which was the highest rate in the history of the data since 1948. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics) As a result, in January 2021, out of the 15.1 million adults living in rental housing, 1 in 5 adult renters were behind on their rent. (Source: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities) With the eviction moratorium expiring on June 30th, many more families are facing eviction in a few short weeks.

The pressure to maintain a job and secure safe housing in order to provide for one’s family in the midst of a deadly pandemic takes a toll on one’s physical and mental health. Family Promise of Orange County continues to be committed to addressing the root causes of family homelessness in order to ensure that every child has a safe, stable home.