FAMILY PROMISE:
THE INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY
NETWORK
OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY
Family Promise: Gloucester County is a faith-based group of which our congregation is a member, and whose mission is to partner with and care for working-homeless families within our county. There are currently 147 operating Family Promise IHN networks in 40 states plus an additional 39 networks which are in various stages of development.
The Interfaith Hospitality Network program brings shelter, meals, and support services to families without homes. The following are the five basic components of an IHN program:
1. Hosts
Hosting rotates weekly among the 10 to 12 host congregations within a Network. In turn, each host congregation provides lodging, three meals daily, and welcoming care.
2. Day Center
Guest families use a local day center from 6:15 AM to 6:00 PM, where the IHN director, a professional social worker, provides case management services. There, guests pursue employment if not already working, tend to pre-school children, shower, and do laundry. The day center provides guests with a mailing address and a base for housing and employment searches.
3. Volunteers
Volunteers provide various services:
- Setting up living areas and cots before guests arrive at each congregation on Sunday afternoons
- 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.
At the present time, there are eleven congregations within our county which serve as hosts and 13 others who, while unable to physically host families, are willing to act as support congregations. Our congregation acts as support congregation for Bethel United Methodist Church, a hosting church located on Delsea Drive in Washington Township. If you are interested in getting involved with the program, please contact Beth N., our volunteer coordinator, c/o Congregation B'nai Tikvah at the phone number and mailing address below.
