The Interfaith Hospitality Network program brings shelter, meals, and support services to families without homes.

IHNs are a cost-efficient, effective, and replicable community response to family homelessness. Because they make use of existing community resources, they can be implemented quickly, without major start-up costs.

IHN programs vary from community to community, reflecting local needs and resources. However, there are five basic components to an IHN program.

1. Hosts
Hosting rotates weekly among the 10 to 12 host congregations in a network. In turn, each host congregation provides lodging, three meals daily, and welcoming care.

2. Day Center
Guests use a local day center from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., where the IHN director, who is a professional social worker, provides case management services. There the guests pursue employment, tend pre-school children, shower, and do laundry. The day center provides guests with a mailing address and a base for housing and employment searches. Many guests are employed during the day, while older children attend school.

3. Volunteers
Volunteers provide various services:

• Cooking and serving meals
• Playing with children or helping them with homework
• Interacting with guests with respect and compassion

4. Social Service Agencies
Local social service agencies refer families to the network. The agencies may also help guests find housing, jobs, and benefits.

5. Transportation
An IHN van transports guests to and from the day center. The van also carries bedding and luggage to the next host congregation.