June 15 is Father’s Day, a time when we celebrate fatherhood and reflect on father figures who shape our lives. This year, at Family Promise of Cobb County (FPCC), we want to dedicate this day to fathers who are experiencing homelessness with their children, fathers who show incredible resilience and unwavering love in the face of hardship. Many shelter programs separate dads from their children, but at FPCC we stand apart—it’s one of the few places where fathers can stay together with their kids. Our mission is rooted in giving families the stability and dignity they deserve, no matter their composition.
💪 The Resilience of Fathers Experiencing Homelessness
Family homelessness disrupts family cohesion. Nationwide, families with children represent a significant share of those experiencing homelessness. On a single night in 2024, an estimated 259,473 people in families—including children—were homeless in the U.S. (guidestar.org). Historically, families made up around 30% of the homeless population (endhomelessness.org).
Fathers are a powerful but often overlooked part of this narrative. While the majority of homeless families are led by women, research shows 41% of homeless men are parents, yet only about 16% of sheltered families include a father, meaning most fathers are often separated from their children (msm.edu). At FPCC, we refuse to let that happen.
Consider the words of Karen Olson, founder of the Family Promise network:
“Over and over again, I see how families become empowered, and communities are transformed.”
That transformation often begins when a father stays with his child.
The Trauma of Family Homelessness
The trauma of homelessness impacts dads and children alike. According to research, homelessness causes serious disruptions in family life, leading to anxiety, behavioral problems, and educational setbacks for children . When families are separated, especially when fathers are dropped from shelter eligibility, the emotional toll deepens.
FPCC offers a rotational shelter model, where families stay in host congregations and rotate weekly, with access to meals, case management, and day center support. Our approach supports both parents and children together, which not only shields kids from additional emotional trauma, but strengthens the bond between parent and child during an extremely vulnerable time.
Real Impact: What We Know from FPCC Families
Rather than spotlighting a specific dad, let’s reflect on real insights and outcomes from Family Promise:
Dads stay with their kids. Family Promise defines a family as any adult(s) in a custodial relationship with children—and intentionally keeps fathers and kids together through both rotational and transitional shelter models.
Strong outcomes. Nationally, 81% of families exit shelter into permanent or transitional housing—meaning most dads and their children move forward together (familypromise.org)
Voices of fathers. A dad shared on the national purpose page: “I never imagined we’d be in this situation, but Family Promise shattered my stereotype of how homelessness is treated. It’s a whole community of people who are there for you in any way you need, even after you get back on your feet.” (familypromise.org)
Cobb County data. FPCC’s local “Beyond Shelter” report confirms that the Rotational Shelter, Transitional Housing, Day Center, and stabilization services work together to promote family cohesion, reduce trauma, and move families toward housing stability.
Community engagement. Since opening in 2014, FPCC has sheltered thousands of nights and provided meals, case management, coaching, and wrap‑around resources to families, including single dads—building a foundation for long‑term independence.
Why FPCC’s Model Matters—Especially for Dads
Staying together matters. At FPCC, we welcome single fathers, two-parent families, and extended families—every structure is valid and supported
We're rare. Most shelters separate dads from children. FPCC is one of the few in Cobb County, and nationwide, designed to help fathers preserve their roles during crises.
Comprehensive wraparound services. Beyond shelter, we provide coaching, job readiness, financial mentorship, meals, and more.
Community-centered impact. Since opening in 2014, FPCC has engaged volunteers, congregations, and partners to shelter families, serve meals, and restore hope .
Hard Facts That Matter
770,000+ people were homeless on a single night in January 2024—including children (hud.gov).
259,473 people in families experienced homelessness on a single night in 2024 (hud.gov).
41% of homeless men are parents, but only 16% of sheltered families include fathers (msm.edu).
74% of families in the Family Promise model move to permanent housing within nine weeks (familypromise.org).
A Father’s Day Call to Action
This Father’s Day, you can make a difference. Here's how:
Donate in honor of a father. Make a gift to FPCC in your dad’s name—and he’ll know his legacy supports families facing housing crises. You can donate easily through our website at fpcobb.org
Launch a “Father’s Day Fundraiser.” Host an event—whether a bake sale, walk/run, or digital campaign—to raise awareness and funds for dads and kids seeking stability.
Get involved directly. Volunteer at our shelter rotations or day center. Your presence can help a father rebuild confidence and connection with his family.
Fatherhood Through Hardship: Why It Matters
Fatherhood deserve compassion. “Sometimes you just need a little help,” FPCC, Executive Director, Autumn Sines, notes how the temporary support we provide becomes “just a little bit of a blip over a lifetime” with profound lasting impact.
Families heal together. Mental health and child development are supported when parents and children aren’t separated, especially during crisis (211online.unitedwayatlanta.org).
Community transforms futures. When fathers are given opportunity and dignity, they lead families out of homelessness, and that creates generational change.
Conclusion
This Father’s Day, we honor the fathers who rise to the challenge of homelessness with courage and conviction. They are working to keep their families together, even when the world pushes them apart. At Family Promise of Cobb County, we stand beside them—because fatherhood matters, stability matters, and family matters.
Will you join us?
Give today in honor of a father who has helped shape your life.
Host a Father’s Day fundraiser to support dads like John.
Volunteer your time, your skills, or your encouragement.
Because when fathers heal, families heal—and our community grows stronger.
