INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK OF OCEAN COUNTY
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES James Rogers Rev. C. John
Thompson-Quartey Patricia
Downing Joann Parisi Mary
Cranwell Tom Chant Suzanne
Jogensen Rita Kearney Marian Muoio Connie Pascale Amy Van Pelt
Send Donations to:
IHNOC, Inc. Toms River, N.J. 08753
For more information: Please contact our office at 732-736-1550 or email officeihn@aol.com.
COMMUNITY LINKS
NJ Craig's
List
OC Dept of Human Services
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Our Mission Interfaith Hospitality Network of Ocean County is a non-profit, interfaith ministry committed to providing shelter, meals and assistance to homeless families. With our well trained volunteers we reach out with our compassion and acceptance, providing help, hope and a safe haven for our guest while they seek permanent employment and affordable housing. We increase community awareness and advocate responsible solutions to homelessness. How does IHNOC carry out this mission The program mobilizes existing community resources: churches and synagogues for overnight lodging, congregations for volunteers, social service agencies for referrals, and a church rectory for the day center and network office, Each host congregation furnishes overnight lodging and meals for three to five families for one week each two to three months on a rotating schedule. The religious communities provide a safe, peaceful and welcoming atmosphere for the guest in need. Who Administers the Program? Interested persons began meeting in the summer of 1995. The Board was formed in the Fall of 1996 and hosted their first guest in May of 1997. The program is run by a Board of Trustees, a full-time Network Director, part-time employee and a Volunteer Coordinator from each church. Is IHNOC the only Network around? We are part of
a National program with 130 Networks operating in 36 states. There
are also 57 more Networks in the developing stage. Why are Volunteers Important? The volunteers are the heart and soul of the network and without them it could not exist. Beyond providing meals,staying overnight and other services essential to the program, volunteers offer compassionate assistance to those who have suffered the loss of their home. They do simple but immeasurable things. They talk to the guest... and listen. They treat the guest with respect and respond to them with compassion. They can be the source of hope. They can also help the families search for housing or employment opportunities.
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