Family Promise of Metro East welcomes new director

The board of directors is delighted to announce that Seth Truby has joined as our new Executive Director starting January 1. Seth and his family have lived in Oregon for 20 years, and he already has social and professional connections in many of our host and support congregations. Seth brings decades of nonprofit experience in both staff and board roles. He has been a founder of four nonprofits in two states, including the Portland Village School and BRAVO Youth Orchestras here in Oregon. Since 2011 he has worked in fundraising, program growth, and executive leadership at three different organizations.

"What most inspires me about Family Promise is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in one of the most important and challenging issues our community has struggled with for years: helping families find pathways to safe and affordable housing to provide stability and consistency for their children."

Seth's personal knowledge of this sector includes the experiences of some of his family in North Carolina who have faced homelessness over the years.  Thankfully, they have been helped tremendously by supportive housing programs that take a comprehensive approach similar to the Family Promise model. His home church in Durham, NC was an early participant in the Family Promise movement back in the 1990s when it was known as the Interfaith Hospitality Network.

"It's wonderful to see hundreds of neighbors coming together in so many volunteer roles to provide a community-based solution. Getting directly involved by hosting families at our sites, preparing meals, driving the van, or organizing a fundraising event gives people a chance to work together to support families going through some of the most challenging times of their lives. It's energizing for each of the communities that has joined our movement in the last few years."

One of Seth's primary goals with our board is to continue building our network of host and support organizations to reach our goal of thirteen rotational shelter sites. Another key aim is to increase our collaboration with peers in this sector. Just last month, FPME finalized a contract to become a program partner with the Joint Office of Homeless Services.  "It's important to demonstrate that our model is an important addition to the range of solutions our city and county are employing to meet the growing need for shelter and affordable housing."

Since starting in January, Seth has worked directly with all our guest families currently in shelter, and he has started to meet the volunteers, coordinators and clergy who keep our program running every day and every week. He looks forward to spending time with people at all of our partner organizations in the coming months.   Board president Melissa Bovee adds:

"With Seth's track record of success growing other non-profit organizations within our community, our full board and I were confident in his ability to lead Family Promise.  In his initial five weeks, marked by unforeseen challenges such as the ice storm, I observed Seth surpassing the conventional responsibilities of an executive and administrative leader.  It has become evident that Seth's passion is aligned to our mission and I am delighted to have him at the helm of Family Promise."

You can reach Seth at 503.753.3960 or seth(at)pdxfp.org.