IHN
Host and Support Congregations
Shelter for the Homeless
Shelter
is provided 24 hours a day. Guests are
transported to the Network's Family Center in Washington, PA during the
day, where they take care of daily living tasks, such as showering and
laundry. The
Network van transports the guests between these two sites.
Just
before supper, the van picks the families up at the Family Center and
takes them to the host church of the week. An evening meal is
served family-style by the Host Congregation volunteers who join the
guests for the meal. Breakfast is provided as well as supplies for
lunches.
Overnight
hosts from the congregation stay with guests each night to provide
assistance in the event of an emergency or any special needs which may
arise.
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"I've
learned there are still nice people in the world"
Quote from a former IHN guest |
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Church
of the Covenant in Washington, PA provides the Campbell House for use as the IHN Family
Center
(click to enlarge photos)
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Companionship
The
volunteers’ most valuable contribution is the companionship and
acceptance they offer when guest families need it most. By talking and
listening, along with treating guests with respect, volunteers can offer
hope and enable families to maintain dignity and regain independence.
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Hospitality
IHN's
trained volunteers welcome homeless families to their churches and offer
a caring, interactive environment. Network guests often form
valuable and beneficial friendships with congregation members. Many guests have discovered community resources, employment leads, and
housing opportunities through interactions with volunteers.
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What part does religion play in IHN?
While families
are welcomed at church services, guests are never pressured to attend
religious activities or classes, nor are beliefs and customs promoted.
IHN gives guests an opportunity to experience a community church and
observe the values and benefits of family involvement in a religious
organization.
Our program
gives volunteers an opportunity to put into practice the teachings of
their religion, because IHN allows them to help and care about others
who are experiencing difficulties with their lives.
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Host congregation
chart showing volunteers for the week; drivers, cooks, and overnight
hosts.
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(click to
enlarge photos)
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Former IHN Coordinators
in front of Thomas Presbyterian Church in
Eighty Four, PA.
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IHN Host Congregations
Host
congregations open their facilities to network guests, one week at a
time, on a rotating basis. They also provide volunteers to drive the
shuttle and prepare meals.
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IHN Volunteer Support Congregations
Volunteer support
congregations provide volunteers, donations or other forms of network
support.
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"Being
able to see that a family has a place to sleep, that children are fed... or just
to be able to lend a smile and a friendly chat. When we are able to assist
even one person, we are doing God's will, no matter what our faith."
a Host
Coordinator |
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Contact IHN now to volunteer! |
