IHN

Interfaith Hospitality Network

More than twenty years ago members of several Union County congregations gathered to talk about the problem of homelessness. Together they found a way to help; in October 1986 the first Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) began hosting families. A year later a second Interfaith Hospitality Network was added under the umbrella of Homefirst. For more than 20 years, hundreds of guests have been given shelter in churches and synagogues because of Interfaith Hospitality Network. Today IHN is just one of the programs offered by Homefirst but it remains a very important one.

The need is as great now as it was then. It is estimated that over 1500 individuals – 50% of them young children – are homeless in Union County right now. It is through the dedication and commitment of congregations that this very special and caring shelter is possible.

How It Works

• Congregations create a temporary shelter in existing space for up to four weeks each year.
• A rotating schedule allows congregations to choose weeks that work well for them.
• Shelter is provided for a maximum of 14 guests including families with children and single women.
• Volunteers from the host congregation, as well as other local congregations, provide evening meals and food for breakfast and packed lunches.
• Volunteers spend evenings and overnights with guests.
• Guests leave in the morning and return to the shelter each evening.
• Guests move to another congregation each Sunday, or every other Sunday.
• Guests may be in the shelter for a few weeks or several months, depending on personal circumstances.

Click here for current list of Host and Support Congregations.