Interfaith Hospitality Network
Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) is a nationwide organization with independent, non-profit networks in many cities. IHN's goal is to help working, low-income families obtain sustainable housing. The network assists one to three families at a time—never more than 14 people total. To qualify, a family must have children, not have a place to live, and be free of active drug or alcohol problems. Families are pre-screened by existing agencies and further screened by IHN's director, Tamie Sanchez. We have been involved with IHN since it began in Albuquerque five years ago. This is a great ministry!
Currently, there are 11 faith communities committed to providing shelter and food for a week at a time. Families rotate each week to the next hosting community. We host families approximately four times a year.
Each evening during our hosting week, two volunteers or couples bring dinner and share it with our guests; two volunteers spend the night at church on a folding bed upstairs. Our guests, who are mostly children, spend the night in the basement where we have several guest rooms. Your evening as a volunteer may involve eating, chatting, and playing with children.
If you have missed out on this very rewarding opportunity to participate directly in helping families reestablish themselves, I encourage you to sign up—or just stop by during dinner for a visit and see what it's like.
Sign up sheets are posted in the Community
Room, or email mlhenkel@comcast.net
We are also asking for cash donations that can be used for Saturday outings and particular needs that arise during the week, such as baby formula. If you'd like to contribute, please make your check out to St. Timothy's and write IHN in the memo line.
St. Timothy's Lutheran Church
211 Jefferson NE Albuquerque NM 87108 ~ (505) 255-8001