Des Moines Area Interfaith Hospitality Network

Description

The Interfaith Hospitality Network provides a way for our community to respond to homeless families with children - the fastest growing population of homeless people. IHN enables religious groups to unite hearts and hands to provide shelter, meals, and compassionate assistance to homeless families with children. In the IHN program, a host congregation furnishes clean, safe, overnight lodging and nutritious meals for three to five families (up to 14 guests) for one week every three months. During host week, other congregations and volunteers may provide additional support by making healthy breakfasts and suppers, playing with children or helping them study, and talking with parents after a long day. Guest families are transported to/from the host congregation to the day center where shower, laundry, and social service assistance is provided. Volunteers provide homeless families with basic human needs (shelter, safety, sustenance) and can be a source of hope when hope has been lost.