On Friday, October 3, 2014, Family Promise of Gallatin Valley will host the 8th annual Cardboard Box City in Bogert Park. This community education event is a great opportunity for kids and families to help build awareness and raise funds for homeless families in our community.

Despite the booming economy, Bozeman continues to be a challenging place to live for those on the margin. In fact, of the families who have gone through the Family Promise program in the last six months, almost all of them held full-time jobs. But, with minimum wage in Montana at $7.90 per hour, and rents in Bozeman hovering around $850 for a one-bedroom, just finding affordable housing can seem like an impossible task -- not to mention paying for food, childcare, and medical expenses.

What does this mean for Family Promise? It means that the services we provide are more important than ever. Family Promise of Gallatin Valley is a nonprofit in Bozeman that assists homeless families to regain their independence. Since we opened our doors in 2006, 80% of the families completing the Family Promise program have successfully attained stable housing and employment.

Participants of our annual Cardboard Box City event who collect pledges of $100 or more secure themselves the opportunity to set up and decorate a cardboard box home for the night. Starting at 5:00 pm on Friday, October 3, participants can set up their boxes and enjoy a pizza dinner, music, prizes and lots of fun! They then spend the evening under the stars.

Individuals of all ages, families, youth groups, sororities, fraternities, civic and faith organizations are all welcome. Visit www.familypromisegv.org to register today!  Call 582-7388 with any questions. Volunteers are also needed.  Join us Friday, October 3, 2014 to end homelessness, one family at a time.