When families face tough times, having someone to guide them through the storm can make all the difference. That’s exactly what Family Promise of Ogden is doing—changing lives one family at a time. They don’t just provide shelter, but help families in crisis learn how to rebuild their lives with dignity, confidence, and support.
What Makes Family Promise of Ogden Unique
Family Promise of Ogden is not a traditional shelter. As Executive Director Raquel Da Silva puts it, “We are not just a place where people can come and stay. We are an educational program that houses families.”
The organisation has been around for nearly a decade, with Raquel leading it from the beginning. In late 2025, they moved into a brand-new building—custom-built to support their mission of helping families not just survive, but thrive.
A Purpose-Built Place of Hope
Everything in the new facility is designed intentionally. From shared spaces to private rooms, every corner has a purpose. The goal? Keep families together while teaching them how to become independent.
Raquel explained during a tour with ABC4 that the program focuses on more than just temporary shelter. It starts by solving the immediate crisis, and then helps families plan for a long-term future in stable housing.
Step-by-Step Support Over Ten Weeks
The Family Promise program lasts ten weeks, but instead of overwhelming families, they focus on one week at a time.
- Week 1: Stabilise the crisis—get families into a safe space.
- Weeks 2–9: Set realistic goals—finding jobs, budgeting, building routines.
- Week 10: Prepare for independent living—moving into their own home.
Raquel says, “You can eat an elephant one bite at a time. That’s what we teach our clients.” They break down problems into smaller steps and guide families through each challenge.
Building Strong Community Networks
Raquel believes that self-sufficiency isn’t something anyone achieves alone. Families are taught how to build a support network around themselves—whether it’s friends, neighbours, or local organisations.
Likewise, Family Promise itself relies on a strong network of:
- Volunteers who give their time and care
- Donors who keep the program running
- Local families and businesses who support in different ways
This network is key to helping each family succeed and feel like they’re not alone in their journey.
Changing Lives with Hope
At the heart of everything Family Promise does is one simple idea: hope. Families come in feeling lost, overwhelmed, and unsure about the future. But by the time they complete the ten-week program, many leave with a job, a new home, and the belief that they can build a better life.
