Pastor Jonathan Hopkins has dedicated a significant part of his life to addressing homelessness in Concord, New Hampshire. As the leader of the Outreach Committee at Concordia Lutheran Church, he has spent over a decade working towards creating a supportive environment for those in need. On November 3, 2025, he will be recognized for his efforts at the 10th anniversary gala of the local chapter of Family Promise, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families with young children transition out of homelessness.
During a recent outreach meeting, Hopkins engaged with fellow volunteers, sharing ideas on how to make newcomers feel welcome. His approach combines warmth and humor, fostering an environment where collaboration thrives. Since joining Concordia Lutheran in 2009, he has focused on making sure that every individual in Concord feels valued, particularly those experiencing homelessness.
“When I first became the pastor here, homelessness was a pressing issue in our city,” Hopkins said. “The congregation wanted to get involved and make a difference.” This collective desire led to the establishment of the Family Promise chapter in Greater Concord, which has since helped over 350 individuals gain independence and stable housing.
Hopkins’s journey began during his time at seminary in Philadelphia, where he first learned about the challenges faced by unhoused families. After moving to Concord and discussing the issue with other church leaders, he recognized the lack of dedicated support for families in need. With the backing of congregations like St. Paul’s Church and East Congregational Church, he set out to create a Family Promise chapter.
The process proved challenging, as he needed the support of at least 13 houses of faith to launch the initiative. Hopkins faced setbacks, including the knowledge that previous attempts to start Family Promise had failed. Despite doubts, he remained committed. “I really believed in it,” he noted. “I have seen it work.”
Family Promise in Greater Concord officially launched in 2010. One of the individuals who benefited from the program, Misty Keller, a mother of three, stayed with Family Promise for eight months. She credits the organization with helping her secure a home on Loudon Road. “They helped me so much,” Keller said. “I wouldn’t be where I am right now if it wasn’t for them.”
Keller’s experiences reflect the challenges many families face when seeking stability. After moving around due to personal circumstances, she found herself homeless in Nashua. A referral to Family Promise provided her the support she needed to regain her footing. With the help of volunteers, she not only secured housing but also received assistance with applying for benefits and repairing her vehicle.
The impact of Family Promise extends beyond immediate housing needs. Paul Russo, a member of Hopkins’s church and chair of the local Family Promise board, emphasized the importance of maintaining family unity. “We focus on families and children because we have the systems in place that allow them to stay together,” he said. This approach is particularly vital given that the number of children experiencing homelessness rose by 33% between 2023 and 2024, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
Hopkins, who no longer serves directly on the chapter’s board but continues to coordinate his church’s involvement, expressed gratitude for the support he received in establishing the chapter. “I hope that people see this as a shared endeavor,” he said. “We did this 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 resources. “Those of us in positions where we can help people have a great gift,” he said. “I’m proud that we have a program that truly assists individuals and families in need.”
Through his unwavering commitment and the collaborative efforts of local congregations, Pastor Jonathan Hopkins exemplifies the spirit of community service, working tirelessly to uplift those experiencing homelessness in the Greater Concord area.
