You might think of Nextdoor as the place where neighbors post about their missing pets or porch pirates.
In November, it helped Family Promise gather donations they would never have gotten otherwise.
“When a family comes to us, they each get a set of towels that becomes theirs," said Lisa Randall, a spokesperson for Family Promise. The non-profit's spent 20 years in the Valley helping homeless families find housing, and employment to build a better future. "One day, one of our social workers came to us and said we are low on towels.”
Randall says she thought about going to the non-profit's social media pages but decided to check with her neighborhood first.
Her post asked if anyone had gently-used towels they're willing to donate to the organization, along with background on the non-profit's mission.
"I thought I’d get 10, 20, maybe 30 people to respond," said Randall. "I was surprised at the sheer volume."
More than 160 people contacted Family Promise, asking where to deliver towels and other basic needs.
“I love what their idea is and I love the way they are instituting it," said Maryanne Krueger, who asked her bible study group at Shepherd of the Desert Church to help collect and deliver donations.
"[Families] probably had to leave their first residence and not be able to carry much with them, so, they’re lucky if they have a couple of bags of clothing," she added. "To be able to supply them with goods to get them through now and then also to get them out on their own in the future, that’s the blessing of it.”
The group donated everything from paper towels, soap, toothpaste, pillows, and of course towels.
Others, according to Randall, wanted to donate money to the non-profit. Family Promise is still helping get families into housing through the pandemic.
In 2020, they helped get more than 130 families off the streets.
The non-profit used to partner with churches across the Valley who acted as "hosts" and gave families a temporary place to stay until Family Promise could find them a home.
The spread of COVID-19 forced many churches to shut that down. Family Promise is now housing families themselves while still working to follow safety guidelines.
"These gifts have not only helped the families we're serving now, but our shelves are stocked and they will continue to bless families currently in our program and those that are yet to come.”
If you'd like to donate, you can learn how by visiting FamilyPromiseAZ.org. Donations can also be dropped off at Family Promise's Scottsdale headquarters: 7447 E Earll Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
