IHN Day Center
Two little boys who were guests of IHN were waiting for the van to take them to the church for the night. When they were called to come, they both said, “Can’t we stay here. This is our home!”
About IHN of Rochester Area
Interfaith Hospitality Network History
On October 27, 1986, the first Interfaith Hospitality Network opened its doors in Summit New Jersey. Word spread of the success and led other congregations to seek help in developing similar programs.In 1988, the National Interfaith Hospitality Network (now Family Promise) was formed to bring the program to other areas where neighbors could work together to help homeless families.
Today nationwide, there are 140 networks in 38 states and the District of Columbia and is supported with more than 5000 congregations and 115,000 volunteers.Rochester Interfaith Hospitality
The Rochester IHN organization was born in March of 1999 and was the 75th network in the country. Rochester’s IHN began with the support of 9 churches with the first guests being served in March of 2001.The Day Center
Rochester operated out of local church until 2003 when house was acquired for the Day Center. The Day Center is located at 811 7th St. NW and is the base of operation for families while they search for jobs and permanent housing. It has shower, laundry facilities, a kitchen, nap room, and play areas for the kids. Guests also are able to make phone calls for housing and job searches.A licensed social worker provides family stabilization services for the guests. Our Day Center has a program for the children -- called Home Start -- in which trained teachers come in and have structured learning and play with the children for two hours a day, 4 days a week.
The garage is full of “gently” used items that are used to help guests furnish their new homes, when they find them.
The Day Center also houses the Rochester IHN Office staff.
Transitional House
Rochester IHN also has a transitional house to help families move into permanent housing.