Pastor Jonathan Hopkins of the Concordia Lutheran Church has dedicated the last decade to transforming the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness in the Greater Concord area. Last Wednesday, a small gathering of volunteers met at the church for an outreach meeting, where Hopkins facilitated discussions aimed at welcoming new churchgoers and enhancing community support for the unhoused.
Since joining Concordia Lutheran in 2009, Hopkins has prioritized addressing homelessness in Concord. He recalls, “When I first became the pastor here, one of the main issues was homelessness, both in our city and within our church.” Motivated by the congregation’s desire to help, he initiated the Family Promise chapter in Greater Concord, a nonprofit that assists families with children in achieving stable housing.
Family Promise is a national organization with over 200 affiliates across 40 states. Hopkins founded the Concord chapter in 2010, and on November 3, 2025, he will receive the Pillar of Promise award at the organization’s 10th anniversary gala for his pivotal role in its establishment and success.
Hopkins’ journey with Family Promise began during his seminary studies in Philadelphia. Upon arriving in Concord, he learned that while there were winter shelters available, there was no dedicated support for families. Collaborating with leaders from St. Paul’s Church and East Congregational Church, he worked to create a Family Promise chapter, overcoming significant challenges along the way.
“Initially, we needed at least 13 houses of faith to participate, and some congregations were resistant,” he explained. “I was aware that previous attempts to start Family Promise had failed, but I was committed to making this a reality. I had seen it work elsewhere.”
Since its inception, Family Promise of Greater Concord has assisted over 350 individuals in transitioning to stable housing. One of those individuals is Misty Keller, a 34-year-old mother of three. Keller utilized Family Promise’s services for eight months before securing a home on Loudon Road, where she has lived for nearly a year. “They helped me immensely,” she said. “I wouldn’t be where I am right now if it weren’t for their support.”
Keller has faced numerous challenges throughout her life, moving between states and often struggling to find stability. She lived in Nashville, Tennessee, for six years with her ex-husband before returning to Ohio, where she found limited resources. After moving back to Nashua, she experienced homelessness and was referred to Family Promise by city officials.
The 13 congregations affiliated with the Greater Concord chapter provide designated spaces for families, allowing them to move between churches weekly. Despite initial difficulties adjusting to this routine, Keller expressed gratitude for the wholesome meals and support provided by Family Promise volunteers. She emphasized the organization’s hands-on approach, which included assistance with benefits applications and securing a first month’s rent deposit.
Paul Russo, a long-standing member of Hopkins’s church and chair of the local Family Promise board, noted that the organization continues to support families even after they leave the program. “Once people exit the program, we check in with them to address any issues they may encounter,” he stated.
The National Alliance to End Homelessness reported a staggering 33% increase in the number of children experiencing homelessness between 2023 and 2024, the largest increase among all age groups. Russo highlighted the importance of keeping families together, as traditional shelters often result in separation due to their requirements. “We focus on families and children,” he explained. “Our goal is to keep them united and guide them back to stable housing.”
Outside of his board commitments, Hopkins is proud of the collaborative efforts that brought Family Promise to Concord. “This was truly a shared endeavor,” he said. “We worked together as a community of faith and as a community of Concord.”
As the anniversary gala approaches, Hopkins hopes to raise awareness of Family Promise’s mission and encourage more individuals facing homelessness to take advantage of its resources. “Those of us in positions to help others are truly blessed,” he remarked. “I am ecstatic that we created a program that not only aids people but also empowers us as people of faith to uplift those in need.”
