Summary of Program Benefits

For Guests

• Safe, homelike shelter where families can stay together
• Guests cite the caring of volunteers as one of the most important benefits; "I never knew so many people cared."
• Intensive case management by Network Director to assist in finding housing and jobs and meeting other needs.
• Guest families secure long-term housing

For Volunteers

• Opportunity to help homeless families directly; to make a difference
• Opportunity to do outreach within their own congregation or a nearby location
• Wide range of volunteer activities to vary schedules and levels of commitment
• Opportunity for families to volunteer together

For Congregations

• Opportunity for outreach (within the congregation's own facilities) focusing on the needs of people in the community
• Opportunity for participation in the community interfaith project
• Increased sense of community among members as they share the effort

For Community

• Cost-efficient mobilization of community resources
• Does not duplicate services already in the community; works with social service agencies to provide counseling, job training, help with housing search, etc.
• Does not institutionalize shelter as a solution to homelessness
• Becomes a catalyst for the other community initiatives, such as job counseling, parenting workshops, transitional housing, etc.