Good Citizens: Meet Debbie Badger of Family Promise Montco PA

Formerly Inter-Faith of Ambler and Inter-Faith-Housing Alliance, Family Promise Montco PA has been serving vulnerable families in Montgomery County who are experiencing poverty, homelessness, and hunger for more than 40 years.

Debbie Badger, chief operating officer, talked to Fideri News Network about their programs, events, and how the community can get involved.

Badger explained, “At Family Promise Montco PA, our mission is to partner with the community to address homelessness and hunger—one family at a time. We help families experiencing housing instability and food insecurity achieve sustainable independence through a compassionate, community-based response.”

The core programs of Family Promise Montco include:

• Emergency Shelter through a rotational hosting model with local congregations.
• Transitional Housing, which supports families as they work toward financial stability and long-term self-sufficiency.
• Graduate Aftercare, offering continued support, referrals, and resources to families who have moved into permanent housing.
• Food Pantry Services to combat food insecurity and ensure families have access to essential nutrition.

“Each program is designed to empower families and strengthen the fabric of our community,” she added.

On the biggest challenges the nonprofit faces, Badger said, “One of our most pressing challenges is the increasing demand for affordable housing. Many families in Montgomery County are working hard but still struggle to find safe, stable places to live. Rising rents and limited housing availability make it difficult for them to regain stability.”

She explained that their funding landscape has also been changing significantly. Recently, they lost approximately $75,000 in FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) funding, which had supported their housing programs for over 15 years. 

“These funds are unlikely to return, creating a substantial gap in our budget,” Badge emphasized.

“Delays in passing the Pennsylvania state budget have also led to reduced food allocations for their pantry. Changes to federal SNAP benefits have further complicated access to food assistance, leaving many families confused and uncertain about their eligibility,” she said.

On what she personally enjoys the most about the work she does, she said, 

“What I enjoy most is knowing that the work we do truly makes a difference. After retiring from a long career at IBM, I was searching for a role that would have a meaningful impact, and I found that at Family Promise.

Every day brings a sense of purpose, whether I’m supporting our dedicated case managers, collaborating with volunteers, or using my tech background to help the organization operate more efficiently. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a team that uplifts families and strengthens our community.”

Family Promise Montco recently hosted their annual Hope for Homes fundraiser on Tuesday, September 16th., raising over $126,000 to support their housing, meal, and graduate programs.

“But Hope for Homes is more than a fundraiser, it’s a celebration of resilience and compassion. It’s about raising hope for families facing unimaginable challenges like homelessness and hunger,” Badger emphasized.

It’s not too late to make a contribution. Visit Hope for Homes 2025 - Family Promise Montco PA to learn more.

How Can the Community Get Involved?

There are many meaningful ways to support their mission:

• Volunteer with the shelter program, food pantry, or office.
• Donate to help sustain their housing and family services.
• Advocate by spreading the word about their mission and programs.

“Whether you have time, resources, or simply a desire to help, your involvement makes a real difference. Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate community—one family at a time,” Badger said.

For more information, click here.