Interfaith Hospitality Network
2004 Annual Report
June 20, 2004 marked the eleventh anniversary of Holy Comforter’s participation in the Interfaith Hospitality Network. We have the distinction of being one of the founding churches of a program that has proven to be a successful vehicle for families who sincerely desire to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness.
We are one of seventeen hosting churches in our area. Our Guests, sent to us through Northwest Assistance Ministries, stay with us for one week three or four times per year.
The Volunteers come from the hosting church to provide for their needs during their stay. We thank all the HCEC volunteers for their service to our IHN Guests and for helping them while they find permanent housing and jobs that will lead them to a better life.
HCEC Hosting Schedule for 2005
March 20 – March 27
May 22 – May 29
August 28 – September 4
December 4 – December 11
Thanks to Sheila Otto for being the IHN Director and the wonderful job she has done.
Thanks from Peggy Brast ...
The week of December 29, 2002 through January 5, 2003 thirty-five "Holy Comforters" signed up to help. In the past nine and one-half years, we have completed 43 rotations and have assisted 172 families…approximately 2,236 people, two-thirds of which were children.
Guests that come into IHN stay for no longer than 3 months. During this time the families receive weekly counseling, work on GED's, learn to write resumes, aid with job search and job training, receive legal advice when needed, help with parenting skills and handling finances. NAM provides these services.
The volunteers are the heart of this network. IHN could not function without them. The 17 churches that serve as the Host Congregations provide these volunteers. The volunteers are responsible for providing meals, lodging, transportation, hospitality and fellowship with the guests. It is the Host Congregations that give the families a safe and loving place to stay while they get their lives back in order and achieve the self sufficiency to get them back into mainstream living.
During Holy Comforter's nine and one-half years participation, we have had 100 families volunteer for this project…. not 100 people, but families. Organizations and groups within the church have also volunteered…the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, EYC, Upper Crust, and the Vestry. It is because of the work of our volunteers and those from other churches that nearly 90% of the families we help find permanent housing and a better way of life.
2003 Hosting Schedule
Mar 2 - 9, Jun 8 - 15, Sep 15 - 21, Dec 21 - 28
2004 Hosting Schedule
May 30 - Jun 6, Sep 5 - 12, Dec 12 - 19
A big THANK YOU to all who have participated in this very worthy ministry and hope to see you again next time!
