Phone: 281-885-4567
Email:  IHN@namonline.org

"Before coming to IHN, as bad as everything was, I knew I wanted better for my kids.  And I knew I was the only one who could fix it.  But I was completely alone.  All I had was fear.  While I was at IHN, there was no fear.  Now I've gone from having no one to having all of NAM and 18 congregations behind me.  I know I'll always have someone to turn to.  I'll never be alone again.."

Guests at the NAM Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) represent the growing population of families with children facing homelessness.  Homelessness can come about as a result of any number of unforeseen circumstances. When the subject of homelessness comes up, most people tend to think of the people who stand on street corners asking for money. Actually, the typical homeless person in the United States is 9 years old. The typical homeless family in Houston is a 20-year-old single woman with two children under the age of 6. Families, who find themselves alone, facing what seem insurmountable odds, turn to NAM for help.

IHN is a collaboration between area congregations of faith and NAM to provide shelter and meals for temporarily homeless families.  More than 10,000 people in the Houston area are homeless.  Families represent the fastest growing segment of the homeless population.  IHN has been very successful in empowering homeless families to become independent. IHN provides an opportunity to take time out in a safe environment -- time to learn new skills, time to consider a new approach to things, time to regain self-confidence and time to step out again and claim the life that is possible with a community of support.

Program participants spend their days at NAM focusing on developing job search skills and addressing the issues that lead to their becoming homeless. At night, they stay at one of  the program's 18 supporting congregations. 

In the last fiscal year in IHN:

• The Interfaith Hospitality Network provided 2,609 shelter nights to 141 adults and children transitioning from homelessness.
• Staff provided 707 hours of case management and ensured the provision of parenting, life skills classes and counseling for substance abuse, mental health, and family issues.