The Greater Lafayette Family Shelter began its journey in 2009 as Family Promise of Greater Lafayette, part of a national network of shelters dedicated to helping families experiencing homelessness. For nearly a decade, the program relied on a rotating model where local church congregations provided housing and meals for families in crisis. Families would stay in a church for a week, supported by around-the-clock volunteers, then move to a new church the following week, repeating this experience until they secured stable housing.

As the needs of the community grew, so did the shelter. In 2017, Family Promise of Greater Lafayette opened its first permanent facility, offering families private rooms and shared living spaces while continuing to provide case management and housing support. This shift allowed the shelter to expand services, strengthen partnerships, and provide greater stability for families.

In 2024, after a period of organizational challenge and renewal, the shelter underwent a successful turnaround and rebranding—emerging as the Greater Lafayette Family Shelter (GLFS). The new name reflects our deep commitment to the local community and our role as the only emergency shelter in Greater Lafayette dedicated solely to families.

Today, GLFS continues to build on this strong foundation of providing safe shelter, comprehensive support, and a path to housing for families of all shapes and sizes. Through every chapter, our mission has remained the same: to keep families together and create stability during life’s hardest moments.