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February, 2000 - Vol. XXIX No. 1
Jubilee: Hope in New Beginnings

"Salem Interfaith Hospitality Network"
by Barbara Ross

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up."
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

"Lord, help me put aside the things that are breaking my heart to pray about the things that are breaking your heart. Amen."

The Salem Interfaith Hospitality Network is a group of sixteen congregations that began providing housing to homeless families in the spring of 1999. Ten congregations serve as host churches on a weekly rotation, and the other six congregations provide support.

All of the guests are family units. They are referred by the Salem-Keizer School District Homeless program, "Homebase," which does the intake and screening. The maximum number of guests at any one time is 14.

On Sunday afternoon of each week, volunteers deliver to the host church the beds, bedding, and other supplies that are furnished by the network, as well as the families’ personal belongings. There, groups of trained volunteers set up beds, cook and serve meals, provide evening activities, and spend the night with the families. After breakfast, the families are picked up by van. School-age children are delivered to their respective schools and the adults and younger children go to the YWCA day shelter, where they receive support and encouragement toward finding employment and housing.

The Interfaith Hospitality Network began in 1986. To date there are 74 networks operating across the nation, with 40 more in development. The Salem network was one of 23 diocesan programs to receive a grant from the Fund for the Poor and Homeless.

St. Paul’s, Salem, has been blessed to offer hospitality to families in May, August, October, and December of 1999. The December week was truly an opportunity to offer "room at the inn" for all who need a place to sleep. St. Paul’s network is ably coordinated by Sydney Brewster and Brian Cummings. For further information, please contact the SIHN director, Marilyn Brenden, at 503-370-9752.

Barbara Ross is Director of Christian Education at St. Paul’s, Salem,
and a member of the diocesan Department of Christian Education.