Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Cincinnati provides emergency shelter to local families

The Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) is an emergency homeless shelter for local families. IHN of Greater Cincinnati mobilizes over 1,000 volunteers at 90 congregations across the city.

Twenty-seven “host” congregations (two per week) provide shelter sites and meals, and 63 “support” congregations work with the host congregations to provide volunteers, meals and supplies. Host Congregations are area churches and synagogues that provide 3 meals a day, private sleeping space, and volunteers to create a “home away from home” for the families. Support Congregations assist the Host Congregations by providing donated meals and volunteers. Eight families a week (32 individuals; two-thirds of whom are children) are served through IHN of Greater Cincinnati.

In order to be accepted into the program you must be currently homeless and have children. There is 3:00 p.m. curfew, therefore IHN is not recommended for people whose work hours would prohibit them meeting this curfew. Residents are not allowed to drink alcohol or use drugs while in the Interfaith Hospitality Network program. IHN does not accept guests who have a legal history of violent crimes or crimes against children. IHN does accept guests with other legal problems, but evaluates this on a case-by-case basis. Interfaith Hospitality Network is not recommended for people experiencing domestic violence, but can refer individuals to an appropriate resource.

If you or a family you know needs shelter, please call (513) 381-7233 (SAFE). Please be prepared for the possibility of a long wait on this call, as this number is the central access point number for all family shelters in Cincinnati. A worker will conduct a brief assessment on the phone and provide directions to the family shelter in Cincinnati that most closely meets the needs of the family. Unfortunately, due to the high need, IHN shelters are frequently full. The telephone attendent will be able to work with you to find alternatives if shelter beds are not available.

For more information about the Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Cincinnati, visit http://www.ihncincinnati.org/

United Resource Connection is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Shared by: United Resource Connection October 9, 2011

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