The Interfaith Hospitality Network of Athens

The Interfaith Hospitality Network of Athens is a network of 14 Athens-area churches and communities of faith providing shelter, meals and support for homeless families in crisis situations. It relies on congregations for overnight lodging, congregations for volunteers, social service agencies for screening and referrals, and existing organizations and government agencies for day-facilities and funding.

Organization
IHN of Athens is organized as an IRS 501c(3) organization and incorporated under the Secretary of State’s office. It has its own board of directors; raises its own funds; is responsible for transportation, the Day Center and hiring and overseeing the executive director; and has insurance, guidelines and rules for the program’s guests.

How it Works
Host congregations provide accommodations for up to 14 people at a time on-site in their own religious facilities. The rooms include sleeping areas, a dining area, a relaxing area and two bathrooms. Each family has its own sleeping area, either in existing education rooms or using free-standing partitions. Supper is provided each evening and served in the dining area. Additionally breakfast is offered and items for lunch are available so that lunches can be made before guests leave for the day.

Supervision is provided by church volunteers. At least two church members are present at all times the guests are in the building. From Sunday through Friday, guests are in the building from 5 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.

During the day, guests stay at the Day Center, located on West Hancock Avenue behind First Baptist Church of Athens. The historic home is a place guests can use for a mailing address and phone number. Showers, laundry facilities and the office of the executive director also are here.

Operation
The executive director of IHN of Athens is Patty Freeman-Lynde, M.S.W. Freeman-Lynde serves as a case manager for the network’s guests, and works closely with them to assist them in finding sustainable housing, job training, employment or whatever needs they may have.

Background
IHN was founded in 1986 in New York City by Karen Olsen. She realized that homelessness is more than just houselessness, but also the profound loss of family, friends and the support systems that connect a person to a stable life. By 1989, the National Interfaith Hospitality Network was formed with the mission of spreading the program to all parts of the country where people of faith could work together to help homeless families.

IHN of Athens depends on volunteers to operate. During its first volunteer training session in October of 2004, more than 170 people attended to find out how they could help the network. Volunteers can help in a variety of ways, including setting up rooms, preparing meals, driving the van, tutoring children, leading weekend activities and working at the Day Center. The network also is supported by the generosity of community. Donations of any size are appreciated. For more information call (706) 425-1881.