IHN Staff

Guests work with professional staff at the Family Centers to set priorities and take the steps necessary to gain self-sufficiency. Services are comprehensive and tailored to address specific family issues, and are often continued after families leave our program. Our Network is very effective, with a majority of guest families leaving to move into homes, and with a source of income. IHN is also very cost-efficient, since facilities, food, and a great many work hours are provided by volunteers.

Our salaried staff consists of a full-time Executive Director, two part-time Program Coordinators and a part-time Social Worker. We rely on volunteers to provide all other services, making IHN a very cost-effective program.

Increasing need for our homeless services

The most distressing indicator of need for family shelters in our communities is the number of requests we must refuse, due to the inadequate number of beds available. We receive a minimum of 15 calls per week inquiring about social services, with approximately one-third of the callers seeking shelter. We refer callers to other shelters, which are also often full.

The Point In Time Survey conducted by the Washington County Homeless Services and Housing Assistance office shows the number of homeless persons in Washington on March 23, 2001. Relying on documented reports from shelters in the county, the total number of homeless people on that specific day was 240. This does not include homeless individuals who were not receiving shelter or assistance.

There are many families who are homeless even though one or more adults are employed. Working at low wages, combined with a dire shortage of affordable housing, makes it very difficult for individuals to afford rent. A majority of landlords require deposits of an additional month’s rent in addition to deposits for utilities.

For more information see: IHN News