In Rochester, Minnesota, housing instability is a growing concern, affecting hundreds of families and children. For over 21 years, Family Promise Rochester, a dedicated community nonprofit, has been working to provide shelter, resources, and long-term solutions for 357 families facing homelessness in Olmsted County. Their latest initiative, The Promise House, is a significant step toward helping local families regain stability.
Introducing Promise House
In April 2025, Family Promise Rochester will open The Promise House, a transitional housing facility in Southeast Rochester. Unlike a traditional shelter, Promise House provides a home-like setting where families can stay together while receiving support and guidance. On-site Family Housing Specialists help parents secure employment, find childcare, and navigate housing options, offering a structured path toward long-term stability. For more information and a self-guided tour of The Promise House, plan to attend the Grand Opening & Ribbon-Cutting Open House on Thursday, March 27th, from 4 – 6 PM.
Family Promise Rochester will operate The Promise House in partnership with Olmsted County’s Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA). The HRA purchased the existing property in southeast Rochester with the goal of housing up to 14 families experiencing homelessness. While the county will remain the property holder, Family Promise Rochester will oversee operations, providing shelter and resources to help families regain stability.
Family Promise Rochester collaborates with many organizations to support families in crisis, including Rochester Public Schools (RPS), which has seen a rising number of students experiencing homelessness. During the 2023-2024 school year, more than 375 RPS students were identified as lacking stable housing. In Olmsted County as a whole, more than 1,000 individuals experienced homelessness in 2022. These numbers highlight the urgent need for coordinated efforts to provide housing solutions and prevent families from experiencing homelessness.
What Family Promise Rochester Provides
Family Promise Rochester offers comprehensive support to families facing housing instability, addressing both immediate needs and long-term solutions.
-
Transitional Housing – Families in crisis are provided with safe, temporary housing while they work toward stability. Transitional housing provides a structured environment where families can receive family housing management, employment assistance, and guidance in securing permanent housing.
- Homelessness Prevention – Keeping families in their homes is a critical part of the Family Promise Rochester mission. The organization provides financial assistance, advocacy, and referrals to families at risk of eviction, helping them navigate housing challenges before they become homeless. By working with landlords, legal aid services, and social service agencies, Family Promise Rochester helps prevent evictions and ensures that families remain housed whenever possible.
The Promise House | photo – Rochester Local - Life Skills Program – The Family Promise Rochester Life Skills classes unite families, fostering shared experiences and community support. Families in the shelter program work toward jointly established goals, and upon successful completion, they transition into permanent housing with continued family housing management, mentoring, and empowerment support. In partnership with Rochester Public Schools, Parent Educators and Early Childhood teachers provide guidance on parenting, childhood trauma, and early education. Community members and guest speakers contribute by teaching financial literacy, health topics, mindfulness, and other essential life skills.
Community Partnerships Supporting Families
Family Promise Rochester works closely with Rochester Public Schools (RPS) to support families experiencing housing instability. Schools play a crucial role in identifying students who lack stable housing and connecting them with essential resources to ensure they can continue their education without disruption. In addition, eviction prevention efforts help at-risk families navigate housing challenges, offering financial assistance, legal guidance, and access to stable housing solutions before they lose their homes.
Beyond RPS, Family Promise Rochester collaborates with a broad network of community partners, including housing advocates, social service agencies, and faith-based organizations. These partnerships provide families with wraparound support, from emergency shelter and job assistance to long-term housing solutions. By working together, these organizations help create a coordinated, community-driven response to family homelessness.
How You Can Help
Family Promise Rochester relies on community support to continue its work. Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Donate – Financial contributions help fund essential programs at Family Promise Rochester.
- Advocate — Follow Family Promise Rochester and share their mission.
- Educate – Learn about homelessness in Rochester and Olmsted County, and encourage your network to support organizations addressing these needs.
