IHN PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:

• Provide shelter, meals and case management for homeless families.
• Assist families in finding a home.
• Refer homeless families to appropriate agencies for job training/retraining and family services.
• Increase volunteerism and advocacy to meet the needs of low income and homeless families.
• Provide support during the housing crisis and during the post-placement period of transition to self-sufficiency.

HOW THE COMMUNITY BENEFITS

On average, 79% of families served by IHN and 100% of those who have stayed in the program for a minimum of 45 days, have transitioned to stable housing and employment after leaving our program. All participants receive income, education and/or job counseling and other supportive services to help them return to self-sufficiency.

The IHN model is an innovative and effective program where professional staff and trained volunteers work together with other social service provides to assist families in their time of need. In addition to the participating congregations that comprise our local network, IHN works closely with numerous social service agencies.

Families are often first referred to IHN by First Call For Help, other social service agencies and shelters, congregations and their volunteers, or by word of mouth. Once a family is settled in at IHN, we continue to work closely with local agencies to ensure that guests receive the appropriate services to best meet their specific needs. Area agencies that IHN collaborates with include:

The IHN will work with all agencies that serve homeless and "working poor" families. By partnering with existing agencies and trained volunteers, IHN reduces the overall cost to the community-at-large.