Interfaith Hospitality Network

The Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN), founded in New Jersey in 1986, was created in response to the growing need to provide shelter, meals, and comprehensive support to families without homes. IHN Programs are now in many states across the country. In these programs, more than 80,000 volunteers are contributing their gifts of time and talent.

The Network program unites religious congregations to assist homeless families. Each host church and synagogue provides accommodations and meals for three to five families (up to 14 people) for one week on a rotating schedule. Social service agencies assess homeless families and refer them to the Network. Volunteers turn their churches and synagogues into temporary homes to provide hospitality to guest families. A centrally located day center is provided in a "Y", a downtown church, or other community facility.

Participating congregations furnish sleeping quarters and a hospitality room where guests relax, socialize, do homework, and watch television. Guests arrive at the host congregation between 5:30 and 6 p.m. 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 adults care for the young children or go to work or look for jobs or housing.

There is an annual sign-up for volunteers. Parishoners are asked to help with meals, play with children, and to assist adults as they adjust to moving from congregation to congregation. This is your chance to help the working poor and those actively seeking employment. It is an opportunity to help those less fortunate than ourselves.