One in six children in the One in six children in the United StatesUnited States

lives in poverty…lives in poverty…

Families are the fastest growing segment of the homeless

population in the U.S. – 40%

Thirty-six million people, including 14 million children,

experience hunger…

About 41 million people do not have health insurance…

How do families end up homeless?

Emergencies- fire, storm, etc.Emergencies- fire, storm, etc. Loss of jobLoss of job Family medical expenses- lack of medical Family medical expenses- lack of medical

benefitsbenefits Unexpected expenses- car, repairs, etc.Unexpected expenses- car, repairs, etc. Changes is living arrangementsChanges is living arrangements Loss of spouse through death or Loss of spouse through death or

abandonmentabandonment Divorce or separationDivorce or separation Disagreement with those who a family Disagreement with those who a family

may be stayingmay be staying

Homeless and ChildrenHomeless and Children Children born into homelessness are more likely to Children born into homelessness are more likely to

have low birth weights due to disease and illness in have low birth weights due to disease and illness in overcrowded conditions ( Family Housing Fund)overcrowded conditions ( Family Housing Fund)

Homeless children are Homeless children are 6 6 times more likely to have times more likely to have stunted growth and 7 times more likely to be anemic stunted growth and 7 times more likely to be anemic ( Family Housing Fund)( Family Housing Fund)

Homeless children are more likely to have serious acute Homeless children are more likely to have serious acute and chronic illnesses than other low-income children...and chronic illnesses than other low-income children...

Homeless children frequently lack adequate access Homeless children frequently lack adequate access to ongoing primary health care - a medical home. to ongoing primary health care - a medical home. Their need for medical specialty referral…is very Their need for medical specialty referral…is very high. high.

Homeless families typically have enormous Homeless families typically have enormous difficulty keeping specialist appointments, with as difficulty keeping specialist appointments, with as few as 5% to 10% of appointments kept. few as 5% to 10% of appointments kept.

This further compromises child health status and This further compromises child health status and may affect school attendance and performance. may affect school attendance and performance. (Children's Health Fund).(Children's Health Fund).

As might be expected in families that move frequently, As might be expected in families that move frequently, homeless children are often behind in their homeless children are often behind in their immunizations (Wood, 1992)immunizations (Wood, 1992)

What is Family Promise?What is Family Promise? Founded in New Jersey in 1988 to address the growing need to Founded in New Jersey in 1988 to address the growing need to

provide emergency sheltering, meals, and comprehensive provide emergency sheltering, meals, and comprehensive assistance to homeless families.assistance to homeless families.

A Network with volunteers at the heart of itA Network with volunteers at the heart of it

Actively involving those in faith communities in the needs of low Actively involving those in faith communities in the needs of low income families- especially childrenincome families- especially children

“This is a ministry that allows volunteers to put names with faces, to share a meal, to listen to a story, to help with homework, to pour a cup of coffee in the morning before a family sets out for the day, and through it all we discover how much we have in common, and we are reminded that even in tough times God is faithful.”

--Rev. Renee Hoke, Kingwood Christian Church, Kingwood TX

The Program offers a hand up, not a hand out…

Family Promise Family Promise ProgramsPrograms

As our name suggests, we focus our efforts on assisting homeless As our name suggests, we focus our efforts on assisting homeless and low-income families and to address the factors that and low-income families and to address the factors that perpetuate poverty. In response to the needs of families, we perpetuate poverty. In response to the needs of families, we have expanded our commitment to five programs. have expanded our commitment to five programs.

Interfaith Hospitality NetworkInterfaith Hospitality Network

Just Neighbors Just Neighbors -- Our interactive educational curriculum raises Our interactive educational curriculum raises awareness of poverty and homelessness and their root causes as the awareness of poverty and homelessness and their root causes as the first step in engaging communities in helping low-income people. first step in engaging communities in helping low-income people.

Family MentoringFamily Mentoring - Our mentoring model trains volunteers to advise - Our mentoring model trains volunteers to advise and advocate for at-risk families, helping them achieve and maintain and advocate for at-risk families, helping them achieve and maintain self-sufficiency. self-sufficiency.

Community InitiativesCommunity Initiatives - From the common basic beginning of - From the common basic beginning of providing shelter, meals, and support services to homeless families, providing shelter, meals, and support services to homeless families, many Networks go on to do much more. Some of these have included many Networks go on to do much more. Some of these have included transitional housing, parenting classes, and a high school equivalency transitional housing, parenting classes, and a high school equivalency exam program.exam program.

Voices UnitingVoices Uniting - The Voices Uniting program mobilizes and supports - The Voices Uniting program mobilizes and supports IHN clergy, volunteers, and former guests as advocates for public IHN clergy, volunteers, and former guests as advocates for public policies that alleviate poverty and promote economic stability of low-policies that alleviate poverty and promote economic stability of low-income families. income families.

Interfaith Hospitality NetworkInterfaith Hospitality Network Our Networks of volunteers provide shelter, meals, and support services to Our Networks of volunteers provide shelter, meals, and support services to

homeless families. Each Network program is a partnership mobilizing homeless families. Each Network program is a partnership mobilizing community resources: community resources: houses of worship for lodging, houses of worship for lodging, congregations for volunteers, congregations for volunteers, social service agencies for assessment and referrals, social service agencies for assessment and referrals, existing facilities for day programs.existing facilities for day programs.

Networks are extremely cost-effective. With the exception of the paid Networks are extremely cost-effective. With the exception of the paid Director and case manager, volunteers donate all the time, labor, and Director and case manager, volunteers donate all the time, labor, and supplies needed to run the Network.supplies needed to run the Network.

Volunteers are the heart of the Network program. Volunteers are the heart of the Network program. They are essential to our philosophy of offering dignified and They are essential to our philosophy of offering dignified and

compassionate assistance. compassionate assistance. They furnish meals, overnight lodging . . .. and hope. They furnish meals, overnight lodging . . .. and hope. They help families find jobs, help them find and furnish housing, and They help families find jobs, help them find and furnish housing, and

assist them financially with security deposits.assist them financially with security deposits. Each Network program includes 10 to 13 houses of worship and 800 to Each Network program includes 10 to 13 houses of worship and 800 to

1,000 volunteers. Host congregations provide overnight shelter, meals, and 1,000 volunteers. Host congregations provide overnight shelter, meals, and support services to three to five families for one week every two to three support services to three to five families for one week every two to three months on a rotating schedule. Each Network can serve approximately 175 months on a rotating schedule. Each Network can serve approximately 175 homeless family members annually.homeless family members annually.

Facts & Figures about Interfaith Facts & Figures about Interfaith Hospitality NetworksHospitality Networks

More than 5000 More than 5000 congregations are involved congregations are involved in Family Promise programs.in Family Promise programs.

Over 125,000 volunteers are Over 125,000 volunteers are involved in Network involved in Network programs.programs.

More than 270,000 More than 270,000 homeless family members homeless family members have been helped by IHN have been helped by IHN programs.programs.

75% of guest families have 75% of guest families have found permanent housing. found permanent housing.

In a typical Network, half of In a typical Network, half of the guests are children, the guests are children, most of whom are under six most of whom are under six years old.years old.

Facts & Figures about Interfaith Facts & Figures about Interfaith Hospitality NetworksHospitality Networks

25% of adult guest family members have found 25% of adult guest family members have found jobs. (Over 60% of guest families have at least jobs. (Over 60% of guest families have at least one family member already employed when they one family member already employed when they enter the IHN.)enter the IHN.)

There are 162 Networks and 151 Affiliate There are 162 Networks and 151 Affiliate locations in 39 states and DC.locations in 39 states and DC.

As an outgrowth of the Network, over 400 direct As an outgrowth of the Network, over 400 direct service and housing programs have been service and housing programs have been developed.developed.

In 1992, Family Promise received the PresidentIn 1992, Family Promise received the President’’s s Annual Points of Light Award for being one of Annual Points of Light Award for being one of the top twenty volunteer agencies in the country.the top twenty volunteer agencies in the country.

Besides IHN, what are Besides IHN, what are the other options for the the other options for the

homeless?homeless? Shelters- sometimes house those with substance Shelters- sometimes house those with substance

abuse or mental illness or a criminal backgroundabuse or mental illness or a criminal background Motel vouchers- expensive, lack basic amenities, Motel vouchers- expensive, lack basic amenities,

and are sometimes used for things that are not and are sometimes used for things that are not suitable for children to be aroundsuitable for children to be around

Family shelters- sometimes separate fathers and Family shelters- sometimes separate fathers and sons as young as ten into men’s facilities, thus sons as young as ten into men’s facilities, thus separating the familyseparating the family

“When I first learned I would be in a shelter, I automatically pictured a ‘shelter’. But what I found were caring and concerned people who made the darkest time in my life so much brighter. The help and guidance I received is beyond words.”Dorothy O., Former Guest, Union County NJ IHN

Basic ComponentsBasic Components Host CongregationsHost Congregations. Ten to thirteen host . Ten to thirteen host

congregations provide overnight (from 5:30pm to congregations provide overnight (from 5:30pm to 7am) accommodations and meals to families (up to 7am) accommodations and meals to families (up to fourteen people) on a rotating schedule.fourteen people) on a rotating schedule.

VolunteersVolunteers. About 50 volunteers are involved . About 50 volunteers are involved during each host week. A primary coordinator, during each host week. A primary coordinator, working with one to three assistant coordinators, working with one to three assistant coordinators, oversees the Network program within each oversees the Network program within each congregation.congregation.

Community AgenciesCommunity Agencies. Local agencies assess and . Local agencies assess and refer guests to the Network program and work with refer guests to the Network program and work with the Network director to coordinate needed services the Network director to coordinate needed services for guest families. for guest families.

Day CenterDay Center. During the day, families receive case . During the day, families receive case management at a central location near housing and management at a central location near housing and employment opportunities. The Day Center is often employment opportunities. The Day Center is often housed in a Y or downtown congregational facility.housed in a Y or downtown congregational facility.

TransportationTransportation. The Network provides . The Network provides transportation between the host congregations and transportation between the host congregations and the day center. the day center.

What is involved in What is involved in volunteering with the Interfaith Hospitality volunteering with the Interfaith Hospitality

Network (Family Promise) ?Network (Family Promise) ?

Bringing in a meal and eating with families in the Bringing in a meal and eating with families in the programprogram

Spending a few hours playing with childrenSpending a few hours playing with children Providing a special skill, like computer training or Providing a special skill, like computer training or

resume writingresume writing Staying overnight at a facility—sleeping in a private Staying overnight at a facility—sleeping in a private

room and being available in case of emergencyroom and being available in case of emergency Supporting parents under incredible stress while they Supporting parents under incredible stress while they

get their lives back togetherget their lives back together Inviting others to join youInviting others to join you

“We’re all doing so much, so fast, so much of the time—that it gives you the chance to stop and look at what’s important. It really brings it home to you. There are so many things we take for granted—things like home cooked meals or a safe place to sleep. By volunteering at IHN, we get to see first hand what a difference these things make in the lives of others, and we learn to appreciate them all over again.”Mary Lu Barth, Volunteer, Temple Beth Emerth, Ann Arbor IHN

Coverage of Family Coverage of Family PromisePromise

Program AdvantagesProgram Advantages Enables Homeless Families Enables Homeless Families

to Regain their to Regain their IndependenceIndependence

The active involvement of The active involvement of volunteers in the Network not volunteers in the Network not only provides emergency only provides emergency services such as shelter and services such as shelter and meals, but meals, but also offers also offers supportive services supportive services ranging from assistance in ranging from assistance in finding housing and jobs finding housing and jobs to ongoing support once a to ongoing support once a family has secured family has secured housing.housing. This personal This personal commitment has contributed commitment has contributed to one of Family Promise’s to one of Family Promise’s most rewarding statistics: most rewarding statistics:

Overall, more than 75% of the Overall, more than 75% of the guests in the Network do find guests in the Network do find long-term housinglong-term housing..

More advantagesMore advantages Increases Community Increases Community

Commitment to Solving Commitment to Solving Local ProblemsLocal Problems

The Network provides The Network provides practical, concrete ways for practical, concrete ways for volunteers to work in the safe, volunteers to work in the safe, familiar environment of their familiar environment of their own house of worship. Despite own house of worship. Despite the alleged phenomenon of the alleged phenomenon of “compassion fatigue,” Family “compassion fatigue,” Family Promise mobilizes thousands Promise mobilizes thousands of volunteers who provide of volunteers who provide direct services through its direct services through its Networks.Networks.

Many local Network members Many local Network members volunteer as family units, with volunteer as family units, with children ranging from toddlers children ranging from toddlers to teens. As a result, Family to teens. As a result, Family Promise is helping to train a Promise is helping to train a new generation to give new generation to give something of themselves to something of themselves to others.others.

The Interfaith approach does a lot The Interfaith approach does a lot for the community ecumenically…for the community ecumenically…

More advantagesMore advantages Fosters Other Community Fosters Other Community

InitiativesInitiatives

Congregations and individuals Congregations and individuals in the program are often in the program are often motivated to develop additional motivated to develop additional programs including transitional programs including transitional housing and affordable housing, housing and affordable housing, parenting and children’s parenting and children’s programs, employment or programs, employment or budget counseling.budget counseling.

Alternative to Shelter Alternative to Shelter

By mobilizing existing By mobilizing existing community resources, Network community resources, Network programs avoid programs avoid institutionalizing large and institutionalizing large and impersonal shelters as a impersonal shelters as a permanent solution to permanent solution to homelessness.homelessness.

Provides Services Cost-Provides Services Cost-EffectivelyEffectively

The involvement of thousands of The involvement of thousands of volunteers and the use of existing volunteers and the use of existing community resources enable community resources enable Networks to provide services at a Networks to provide services at a fraction of the average national fraction of the average national cost. On average the Networks cost. On average the Networks spend $14.00 per person per day spend $14.00 per person per day to provide shelter, meals and to provide shelter, meals and comprehensive support services.comprehensive support services.

““IHN saved my life. Without it, I don’t IHN saved my life. Without it, I don’t know what my children and I know what my children and I would have done. Everyone would have done. Everyone makes you feel welcome, while makes you feel welcome, while still respecting your privacy. It’s still respecting your privacy. It’s just wonderful having a place you just wonderful having a place you can call ‘home’.”can call ‘home’.”

Carlas, Guest, Durham, Carlas, Guest, Durham, NCNC

Steps to Creating a Steps to Creating a NetworkNetwork

Recruit 10 to 13 host congregationsRecruit 10 to 13 host congregations Secure a day centerSecure a day center Arrange for transportation Arrange for transportation Prepare a first year budgetPrepare a first year budget Raise required funds Raise required funds Develop the Network’s governing body, the Board of Develop the Network’s governing body, the Board of

TrusteesTrustees Form the Network into a nonprofit organizationForm the Network into a nonprofit organization Hire the Network DirectorHire the Network Director

“ “ The IHN program empowers volunteers to be directly and The IHN program empowers volunteers to be directly and personally involved in helping to solve the problem of personally involved in helping to solve the problem of homelessness and make a difference in someone’s life. The homelessness and make a difference in someone’s life. The positive action of volunteering changes that frustration and positive action of volunteering changes that frustration and helplessness into joy at seeing what caring can do.” helplessness into joy at seeing what caring can do.” Carol Young, Volunteer, The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, Carol Young, Volunteer, The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, PAPA

Core Group CommitteesCore Group CommitteesCore group committees focus on specific components of the Network program. Each committee has a Core group committees focus on specific components of the Network program. Each committee has a

chairperson who reports to the entire core group. The core group committees are described here: chairperson who reports to the entire core group. The core group committees are described here:

Host Congregation Recruitment CommitteeHost Congregation Recruitment Committee: Recruit 10 to13 host congregations from a : Recruit 10 to13 host congregations from a prospect list (prepared by the core group) of about 30 area congregations. Present IHN to clergy, prospect list (prepared by the core group) of about 30 area congregations. Present IHN to clergy, mission committees, and congregational boards. Make presentations synagogue services, adult mission committees, and congregational boards. Make presentations synagogue services, adult forums and committee meetings. Provide information and follow-up throughout a prospective forums and committee meetings. Provide information and follow-up throughout a prospective congregation’s decision-making process. 3 to 5 congregation’s decision-making process. 3 to 5 activeactive members are needed for the Host members are needed for the Host Congregation Recruitment Committee. Congregation Recruitment Committee. The recruitment of host congregations is the most labor- and time-intensive part in the The recruitment of host congregations is the most labor- and time-intensive part in the development of your Network. It is also the task that reaps the most rewards. Good recruiters development of your Network. It is also the task that reaps the most rewards. Good recruiters build enthusiasm for the Network among all the congregations on the prospect list. build enthusiasm for the Network among all the congregations on the prospect list.

   Day Center Committee:Day Center Committee: Finds an organization with the resources for a day center. Maybe Finds an organization with the resources for a day center. Maybe

someone in the core group knows the chairman of the “Y”. That kind of link can greatly simplify someone in the core group knows the chairman of the “Y”. That kind of link can greatly simplify the search for a site. Churches (particularly large downtown facilities) and social service agencies the search for a site. Churches (particularly large downtown facilities) and social service agencies are potential day center sites. 2 or 3 people are needed for the Day Center Committee. are potential day center sites. 2 or 3 people are needed for the Day Center Committee.

Transportation Committee:Transportation Committee: Secures the most cost-effective transportation between the day Secures the most cost-effective transportation between the day center and host congregations. Explore possibilities for purchasing a van, obtaining a used van, center and host congregations. Explore possibilities for purchasing a van, obtaining a used van, or contracting for transportation services. 1 or 2 people usually take on the project of serving on or contracting for transportation services. 1 or 2 people usually take on the project of serving on the Transportation Committee.the Transportation Committee.

Fundraising Committee:Fundraising Committee: Estimates expenses, establishes a first year budget and develops and Estimates expenses, establishes a first year budget and develops and implements a fundraising plan. Experience in fundraising and grant writing are big assets on this implements a fundraising plan. Experience in fundraising and grant writing are big assets on this committee – strong community connections, especially to corporations in the area, are helpful, committee – strong community connections, especially to corporations in the area, are helpful, too. 3 to 5 people form this committee too. 3 to 5 people form this committee

Summary of IHN Program Summary of IHN Program BenefitsBenefits

For GuestsFor Guests Safe, homelike shelter where families can stay together.Safe, homelike shelter where families can stay together. Guests cite the caring of volunteers as one of the most important Guests cite the caring of volunteers as one of the most important

benefits: "I never knew so many people cared." benefits: "I never knew so many people cared." Intensive case management by Network Director to assist in finding Intensive case management by Network Director to assist in finding

housing and jobs and in meeting other needs housing and jobs and in meeting other needs On average, more than 75% of guest families secure permanent On average, more than 75% of guest families secure permanent

housing.housing.

  For VolunteersFor Volunteers Opportunity to help homeless families directly: to make a difference.Opportunity to help homeless families directly: to make a difference. Opportunity to do outreach within their own house of worship or a Opportunity to do outreach within their own house of worship or a

nearby location.nearby location. Wide range of volunteer activities to fit varying schedules and levels Wide range of volunteer activities to fit varying schedules and levels

of commitment.of commitment. Opportunity for families to volunteer togetherOpportunity for families to volunteer together

Very few truly cannot do this…Very few truly cannot do this…

Summary of IHN Program BenefitsSummary of IHN Program BenefitsFor CongregationsFor Congregations Opportunity for outreach (within the Opportunity for outreach (within the

congregation’s own facilities) focusing congregation’s own facilities) focusing on the needs of people in the on the needs of people in the community.community.

Opportunity for participation in a Opportunity for participation in a community interfaith project.community interfaith project.

Increased sense of community among Increased sense of community among members as they work together in members as they work together in shared effort.shared effort.

  For CommunityFor Community Cost-efficient mobilization of Cost-efficient mobilization of

community resources.community resources. Does not duplicate services already in Does not duplicate services already in

community; works with social service community; works with social service agencies to provide counseling, job agencies to provide counseling, job training, help with housing search, etc. training, help with housing search, etc.

Does not institutionalize shelter as a Does not institutionalize shelter as a solution to homelessness.solution to homelessness.

Becomes catalyst for other community Becomes catalyst for other community initiatives, such as job counseling, initiatives, such as job counseling, parenting workshops, transitional parenting workshops, transitional housing, etc. housing, etc.

Typical Volunteer Schedule for Typical Volunteer Schedule for the Host Facilitythe Host Facility

5:30-8:30pm- Supper and Evening Volunteers5:30-8:30pm- Supper and Evening Volunteers 8:30pm- 6:00am- Overnight Volunteers8:30pm- 6:00am- Overnight Volunteers 6:00- 7:00am- Breakfast Volunteers6:00- 7:00am- Breakfast Volunteers This schedule shares the work and allows adults, This schedule shares the work and allows adults,

teenagers, and even children, to find their niche teenagers, and even children, to find their niche as volunteers. as volunteers.

During the host week, a congregation might During the host week, a congregation might require 30 to 50 volunteers.require 30 to 50 volunteers.

““Virtually all who work with IHN are volunteers who take time out of Virtually all who work with IHN are volunteers who take time out of their own personal lives to help people. They do their best to their own personal lives to help people. They do their best to make us comfortable, warm and well fed. They day center allows make us comfortable, warm and well fed. They day center allows us to get the kind of assistance doctor appointment and meet us to get the kind of assistance doctor appointment and meet personal needs. I don’t know what my family and I would have personal needs. I don’t know what my family and I would have done if it hadn’t been for IHN.”done if it hadn’t been for IHN.”

Raleigh, Guest, Minneapolis, MNRaleigh, Guest, Minneapolis, MN

Supplies NeededSupplies Needed

The Network provides much of The Network provides much of the essential equipment:the essential equipment: Folding cots, blankets, Folding cots, blankets,

mattress covers, pillows, mattress covers, pillows, van transportvan transport

The Host congregation The Host congregation provides some items:provides some items: Sheets, towels, wash Sheets, towels, wash

clothes, food, dinnerware, clothes, food, dinnerware, lunch/sandwich bags, first lunch/sandwich bags, first aid kit, toys, books, games, aid kit, toys, books, games, soap, and diaperssoap, and diapers

Friends or members of the Friends or members of the congregation donate congregation donate specialized equipment such as:specialized equipment such as: Cribs, playpens, high Cribs, playpens, high

chairs, etc.chairs, etc.

Cost to the Host Cost to the Host CongregationCongregation

Cost of food staples, utilities and supplies averages $200 for the Cost of food staples, utilities and supplies averages $200 for the Host Week (but much of that will be donated, keeping even that Host Week (but much of that will be donated, keeping even that cost down)cost down)

Local stores or institutions frequently contribute food items and Local stores or institutions frequently contribute food items and suppliessupplies

“ “ The Network program teaches us that the solutions to community The Network program teaches us that the solutions to community problems are in the minds and hearts of the American people, problems are in the minds and hearts of the American people, right within our own communities. When we become involved with right within our own communities. When we become involved with our next door neighbor, problems become real to us and we’ll work our next door neighbor, problems become real to us and we’ll work together to find the solutions.”together to find the solutions.”

Barbara Lashley, Volunteer Christ the Good Shepherd, Barbara Lashley, Volunteer Christ the Good Shepherd, Houston, TXHouston, TX

The financial cost to each host congregation is minimal…The financial cost to each host congregation is minimal…

Frequently Asked Frequently Asked Questions…Questions…

How many host congregations are How many host congregations are needed to form a Network? needed to form a Network?

A Network needs 10 to 13 host congregations. A Network needs 10 to 13 host congregations.

Fewer than 10 could overtax some congregations, Fewer than 10 could overtax some congregations, jeopardizing their participation. More than 13 would jeopardizing their participation. More than 13 would

dilute the experience for congregations, resulting in a dilute the experience for congregations, resulting in a loss of continuity and focus. loss of continuity and focus.

With less experienced volunteers, a network would be With less experienced volunteers, a network would be harder to operate, and recruitment of volunteers would harder to operate, and recruitment of volunteers would

be more difficult.be more difficult.

There is such a diversity in the spiritual gifts of individuals. There is such a diversity in the spiritual gifts of individuals. IHN gives IHN gives occasion for people to use their abilities and skills. occasion for people to use their abilities and skills. Driving a van, Driving a van, preparing a meal, listening to a parent, playing with preparing a meal, listening to a parent, playing with a child, washing a child, washing linens, and arranging living quarters are all ministries linens, and arranging living quarters are all ministries that bring the that bring the gospel of Christ to life. Relationships are formed and gospel of Christ to life. Relationships are formed and fellowship is fellowship is shared...all to the glory of God and for the good of shared...all to the glory of God and for the good of those who need a those who need a blessing.blessing.

Dr. Ken Altom, New Hope Baptist Church, Dr. Ken Altom, New Hope Baptist Church, Raleigh, NCRaleigh, NC

We don’t have a day center in our community. How should we go about finding

one?

Most operating day centers for homeless people are not appropriate for the Network program; they are drop-in centers that serve a mixed population, often including

single men who live on the streets and are not suitable for families.

You should be looking for space for a day center, rather than an operating day center. Most networks find

space for a day center in churches, “Y”s, or social service agencies.

Some Networks use one large room or find a place with access

to several rooms.

Essential facilities are a lounge area for families, a play area for children, a small room or cubicle for the Network director (who will provide most of the supervision of the day center), and showers. If

showers are not available, the Network needs to install them

How do we handle transportationHow do we handle transportation?

Networks usually purchase a van, or a van is loaned or donated to the Network.

Some Networks contract with a transportation company that takes care of the van, driver, insurance, and maintenance.

Networks that purchase a van usually get the money from foundations that fund capital expenditures

Can we use volunteer van drivers?

Family Promise does not recommend using volunteer drivers.

For safety and reliability, it’s best to use paid drivers with verified driving experience and

safety records.

Scheduling problems, which can be time-consuming when volunteer drivers are used, can usually be

avoided or minimized by using paid drivers

IHN allows for the people of our suburban community to come IHN allows for the people of our suburban community to come into contact with and help the homeless in our own area. Some into contact with and help the homeless in our own area. Some of our parishioners feel uncomfortable to drive into the inner‑city of our parishioners feel uncomfortable to drive into the inner‑city to help the homeless, but are ready to help when they come into to help the homeless, but are ready to help when they come into our area.our area.Fr. Bob Klemme, St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, Carmel, INFr. Bob Klemme, St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, Carmel, IN

What facilities do host congregations need to have for guests?

Facilities must include:lounge area (with sofa, chairs, tables, TV),

a dining area, a kitchen,

bathrooms, and sleeping accommodations.

Ideally, congregations provide a separate room, such as a classroom, for each family. If that isn’t possible, a fellowship hall or other large room can be divided by

partitions to provide privacy

Our building is in use almost all the time. How will we find the space?

Churches and synagogues are busy places with many demands on their space. Rarely does a

perfect space exist.

Hosting almost always means making some scheduling adjustments for activities and

meetings.

For example, four or five times a year, AA or the Bible Study Group may need to move their Tuesday night meeting to another room.

Can families’ belongings be moved in the morning and moved back in the evening to permit the congregation to use the space

during the day?

No. The sleeping accommodations need to be dedicated to the families for the entire host week.

The beds and the guests’ belongings must not be moved in the morning and put back in the evening.

Besides being cumbersome, moving the beds and the guests’ belongings would be difficult for guests. When guests arrive on Sunday, they come with their

belongings and perhaps a few of their children’s favorite toys.

They want to arrange their space as if it were their home.

How long do families stay in the Network?

The Guest Guidelines call for a maximum stay of 30 days.

However, Network directors often extend the stay as long as families are

making good-faith efforts to find housing. In some communities, families can find housing within 30 days. In other communities—where

there is a severe shortage of low-income housing, and waiting lists for public housing

and Section 8 are closed—finding a home can take 60 days or more.

Where do guest families stay during the day on weekends?

In most Networks, families stay at the day center.

If the day center space is used for other purposes on weekends, a second day center site for weekends

must be secured

How are families referred to the Network?

Two weeks before the Network opens, the Network director meets with potential referring

agencies—shelters, public assistance offices, the Red Cross, and the Salvation Army. The director

describes the program and provides printed material on how to make referrals.

When a homeless family seeks shelter through an agency, a social worker conducts a brief

interview and may contact the Network director to find out if space is available. If the answer is

yes, and if the family seems appropriate for the Network, the agency refers the family to the day center. At the day center, the Network director

conducts an in-depth interview before accepting the family into the Network.

Isn’t it difficult for families to move week to week?

Moving every week isn’t ideal, but most families say that the homelike setting and the

support of volunteers more than compensate for the moving.

While host congregations change every week or two, the day center remains the same,

providing continuity and a home base for families as they look for housing and jobs. The

day center also provides a permanent address that families can use in their housing

and job searches.

Will the children miss school because their families are staying in different congregations

every week or two?

No. The Network director works with the school system to ensure that all children attend school. The day center is the permanent address of the Network.

Children go to the school they have been attending or to the school nearest the day center. Arrangements are made locally with the

school system.

In 1987, Congress passed the McKinney Act, legislation that requires all states and school districts to provide for the education of homeless youth. Each

state has developed a plan to implement the Act. Most of the state plans are flexible and allow children to attend the school they last attended or the school

closest to the shelter (day center).

What are the insurance implications of participating in the Network? Does

the congregation have to amend its policy?

Each local Network must carry general liability insurance. Congregations are usually

covered by their own property and liability policies because IHN is considered to be an

outreach ministry, a regular activity of the church like a youth sleepover or Friday night supper.

Most congregations find they do not need extra insurance to be hosts. To be certain, each congregation must contact its insurance

agent.

How much money is needed to start a Network?

First-year budgets can range from $90,000 to $125,000, depending on whether a van is purchased

and whether rent must be paid for the day center.

Most Networks find that first-year operating budgets are about $90,000.

Family Promise recommends that Networks have at least one third of this amount on hand before opening.

“The IHN program has allowed us to give names to so many more church community members. New people have volunteered to help our guests, and made us more united. Together, we witness Jesus' loving

service.”Fr. Cassian Lewinski, St. Catherine's Newman Center, Salt

Lake City, UT

How do we raise the money?

Funds are raised locally from individuals, congregations, foundations, and corporations.

Religious judicatories (regional denominational offices, such as the Presbytery, Methodist Conference, and Episcopal Diocese) often provide seed money, as well as ongoing

funds.

Local foundations within your county or state may also provide seed money.

How long does it take to develop a Network?

Some Networks have developed in 10 months, while others have taken a year and a half, or

longer.

Usually a Network becomes operational about 12 to 18 months after the

Community Meeting.

The most important and time-consuming part of forming a Network is recruiting the host congregations. Networks that plan for and emphasize recruitment get there faster.

Do we really need to hire a full-time Network director? Can’t a staff member from another agency manage the Network on a part-time

basis?

You will need to hire a full-time Network director.

A unique strength of the Network program is the intensive case management that a full-time

director provides to homeless families. In addition to case management, the director coordinates and trains volunteers and is responsible for the overall

management of the program.

Without a dedicated professional in the Network, families would not receive the services that help

make the program so successful.

What are some advantages of the Network program over a more traditional shelter?

An Interfaith Hospitality Network has these advantages: A Network can be developed quickly.

A Network is cost-effective because it utilizes existing community resources.

A Network program doesn’t institutionalize shelter as a solution to homelessness.

In Networks, more than 75% percent of the guest families find permanent housing, often with volunteers’ help.

For congregations, the Network is a vital outreach ministry within the walls of the members’ own church or synagogue.

A Network is a catalyst for other community initiatives. Many active Networks go on to create new programs in areas such

as parenting and mentoring, transitional housing, and housing renovation.

Contact InformationContact InformationIf you would like more information on If you would like more information on the Network program, please contact:the Network program, please contact:

Family PromiseFamily Promise

71 Summit Avenue, 71 Summit Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901 Summit, NJ 07901

Telephone: (908) 273-1100 Telephone: (908) 273-1100

Fax: (908) 273-0030 Fax: (908) 273-0030

E-mail: info@familypromise.orgE-mail: info@familypromise.org