INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK OF OCEAN COUNTY

Interfaith Hospitality Network of Ocean County

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Mary Cranwell
President

Anne Macaluso, RN
Secretary

Patricia Downing
Treasurer

Rita Kearney
Past President

Eugene Mulvaney, ESQ

James Rogers

C. John Thompson-Quartey

Connie Pascale, ESQ.

Susan Andrews

Marian Muoio

 

Send Donations to:

IHNOC, Inc.
253 Chestnut Street

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
NJ Dept of Human Services

OC Dept of Human Services 
Food Bank of Ocean County
Community Resource Website

 

 

 

 


Interfaith Advocacy Program

Interfaith Advocacy Program Mission Statement
 
The Interfaith Advocacy Program (IAP) is a program of the Ocean County Interfaith Hospitality Network. We are committed to advocating for public policies that will improve the lives of low-income families. The IAP is affiliated with Family Promise, the national parent organization for Interfaith Hospitality Network, sheltering thousands of families annually in over 100 congregational-based shelter programs throughout the United States.
 


IAP Program

 

Congregational Coordinator responsibilities:
 
  1. Recruit at least 10 volunteers and compile a list containing their names, addresses, e-mails and phone numbers. 
 
  1. Establish an e-mail and/or phone chain.
 
  1. Receive information from Family Promise and/or the overall IHNOC IAP coordinator concerning federal, state or local issues requiring action.  The information will include a description of the specific issue involved, who needs to be written to, called or e-mailed (including addresses and phone numbers), when to do so, and a sample letter, e-mail or phone message indicating exactly what to say and how to say it.  If a meeting is being arranged or needs to be attended, the necessary information will be forwarded as well.
 
  1. Forward or otherwise transmit the information to the appropriate volunteers (depending on what they volunteered for) via the phone chain or a broadcast e-mail.
 
 
Individual Volunteer responsibilities:
 
  1. Agree to do some or all of the following to a specified extent:  write letters; make calls or send e-mail; attend public meetings or meetings with public officials; and/or attend other events.
 
  1. Receive information from the Congregational Coordinator by phone or e-mail regarding actions needed to be taken.  The information will include a description of the particular issue involved, who needs to be written to, called or e-mailed (including addresses and phone numbers), when to do so, and a sample letter, e-mail or phone message indicating exactly what to say and how to say it.  Information about attendance, as part of a group, at a public or private meeting with particular officials will also be provided in appropriate cases.
 
  1. Pass the information along if a phone chain is involved.
 
  1. Write the letter, send the e-mail, make the call or attend the meeting or event.


The Need

Each day across the country, IHN's serve more than 1,500 family members. They offer safe and home-like accommodations, serve home cooked meals, and volunteers go above and beyond program requirements to do whatever it takes to help families get back on their feet. As a result of these efforts, last year 83% of IHN guest secured permanent housing.

Success Rate

While IHN has a high success rate, we recognize that the core issues families face are systemic. The challenges that low wage workers face in finding safe and affordable housing are increasing as the real dollar value of their work decreases. Production of housing affordable to low-wage workers has not nearly kept pace with the demand. And lack of health insurance and high-quality, stable child care can be decisive in maintaining employment.

As we continue to support and develop IHN's across the country, Family Promise, the national organization for the Interfaith Hospitality Networks, has made a commitment to advocate programs and policies that can help stabilize low-income families. IHN's, like Somerset County, NJ, are joining with us to raise their voices for homeless families.

IAP and Its Program

The Interfaith Advocacy Program (IAP) supports people of faith in their efforts to advocate for programs and policies that prevent homelessness by promoting the economic stability of low-income families.

The advocacy program builds on the Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) by identifying and assisting an "advocacy coordinator" from each participating congregation who in turn coordinates the efforts of volunteers who advocate on the behalf of the low-income families. Working in partnership with their Network, volunteers participate in activities that educate federal, state and local officials about local conditions and advocate for a change. Activities include letter-writing, phone calls, and meetings to discuss emerging policy concerns.

Public Policy and People of Faith

People of faith are called to act on behalf of others in need. This includes advocating for justice, fairness and basic human dignity. The experiences of IHN volunteers, their perspectives, their concern for others and the tenets of their faith are vitally important for policy makers to hear.

IHN and IAP

IHN volunteers, as well as other congregation members and former guest are invited to participate. The amount of time volunteers will be asked to provide is minimal, compared with the potential impact they can make.

Contact Us
Marian Muoio, 732-341-7675 or Susan Andrews, 732-292-2546


Interfaith Hospitality Network of Ocean County