Donations may be sent to:
National Interfaith Hospitality Network
71 Summit Avenue
Summit, NJ 07901
Website: http://www.nihn.org
The interfaith hospitality network was created to provide shelter, meals, and comprehensive support to families without homes. Founded in New Jersey in 1986, IHN programs are now found in most states across the country, with more than 70,000 volunteers contributing their gifts of time and talent.
The network program unites communities of faith in a collaborative effort to assist homeless families. Eight to thirteen "host" churches and synagogues provide accommodations and meals for three to five families (up to 14 people), for one week each two to three months on a rotating schedule. Community agencies assess homeless families and refer them to the Network. Volunteers at the congregations provide meals and support services. A central day center is provided by a Y, downtown church, or other community facility. Each Network also employs a Director who manages the program and works intensively with the families as they seek housing, jobs and other resources.
Participating congregations furnish sleeping accommodations and a "hospitality room" where guests relax, socialize, do homework, or watch television. Guests arrive at the host congregation at 5:30 PM and remain overnight. The host congregation provides the evening meal, breakfast, and a bag lunch. In the morning, guests return to the day center. From there, children go to school and adult guests go to work or look for housing.
Volunteers in the IHN program provide homeless families with basic human needs: shelter, safety, and sustenance with a spirit of warmth and hospitality. Congregations become temporary homes in which families are treated as guests and individuals are accepted as they are. In this environment, guests are able to maintain their dignity. The kindness of hosts helps to diminish the hurt of homelessness and both volunteers and guests grow and learn from each other.
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