IHN Homeless Ministry
Ministry Coordinator: Elaine Madere, 908-281-7470
The Interfaith Hospitality Network of Somerset County provides
shelter, meals and emotional support to homeless families and
single women through volunteers at various religious congregational
facilities. All volunteers are trained to provide basic services
in a supportive and respectful way to stress human dignity and
empowerment. Professional services, including case management,
counseling, skill training, and referral services are provided
at the Flynn Day Center in Somerville.
St. Joseph’s has
been part of the IHN network for over a decade. We provide shelter,
food, and care to homeless families. The families “rotate” each
week through the network of 10 facilities, moving each Sunday to
the next church or synagogue. About every 2 months our parish becomes
their home for the week. Planning begins a few weeks ahead of their
arrival and generally requires 50-60 volunteers.
Food shopping, Basement Set-up, Meals, Linens, Greeting, Overnight,
and Basement break down are the main jobs we need to fill every
rotation. Some of the jobs require very little time and little
or no interaction with the guests. Others ask for a bit more time,
energy, caring, and direct contact with the needs and circumstances
that the guests bring with them. There is definitely something
here for anyone wishing to share their time and talents with those
who need it the most in our local community. Please listen to your
heart and try to allow yourself the time to bring something to
this ministry.
How can I participate in the Homeless Ministry?
SHOPPING
A list is provided for the general stocking of the shelves and
refrigerator. Milk, sodas, fruits, cleaning supplies, paper plates
and cups, etc. are needed prior to each rotation. The shopping
can be done anytime from the Thursday to Saturday before the guests
arrive. Sometimes, a second shopping trip is required midweek for
fresh fruits, milk, etc.
LINENS
Bed linens for the guests are provided by Somerset Hospital in
Somerville. A volunteer is needed to pick up the linens on Friday
and deliver them to the church basement. Sometime during the
week after the guests leave, the used linens need to be returned
to the hospital.
SET-UP
1st Sunday Morning, 9:30 AM The week begins with Confirmation students
fulfilling part of their required community service hours to
help the Homeless Ministry. We clean and prepared
for the arrival of the guests later that day. Then, partitions
are hung that make the “rooms” for
the guests. At 10:00 AM a truck arrives from the previous church
and the cots and personal belongings are brought down into the
basement and arranged in the rooms. Cribs, lamps, chairs, and
tables are arranged in the rooms and linens are laid out at each
bed. At least two parents are needed to supervise and help with
the preparation. Usually, the work is finished by 10:45 AM.
GREETERS
Sunday through Saturday, 5:15 - 9:00 PM Two volunteers called “greeters” arrive
each day at 5:15 PM. The greeters arrive before the guests. A quick
walk-through is made to be sure that everything is ready for the guests to
arrive around 5:30. Some
of the guests come by bus from the Flynn Center in Somerville and
others might arrive by car. The greeters welcome the guests and
provide care and assistance for the Moms and the children. There
are usually several babies and toddlers in the group, so there
is plenty of opportunity to share our parenting skills and love
with the little ones. Dinner arrives for the guests and volunteers
at 6 PM. At 9:00 PM when the first overnight volunteer arrives,
the greeters leave.
MEALS
Seven families are needed to prepare,
cook, and deliver a complete warm meal at 6:00 PM each day. Specific
suggestions are made so that the menu is varied throughout the
week.
OVERNIGHT
Sunday through Saturday 9:00 PM – 7:00 AM Two overnight volunteers
arrive and assist the guests in settling-in for the night. The
volunteers sleep in the back bedroom. There are two twin beds provided
and sheets, blankets, and pillows are available if needed. At 7:00
AM, the guests and volunteers depart.
CLEAN UP
2nd Sunday, 9:30 – 10:30 Confirmation students and two supervising
parents help break down the arrangement after the guests leave.
Cots and personal belongings are loaded onto a truck to be delivered
to the next church. Again, everything is cleaned, and the partitions
and cribs are put away.
Summary:
It takes 50-60 volunteers to get through the week!
- Linens: 1 person (pickup & return
to Somerset Hospital).
- Shopping: 1 person
- Cooking: 1 family,
one time during the week.
- Cleaning & set
up: 6-8 kids plus 2 adults
- Greeters: 2 volunteers
per day (Sunday-Saturday)
- Overnight: 2 volunteers
(Sunday-Saturday)
- Break down & cleaning: 6-8 kids plus 2 adults
Ministry Coordinators:
Elaine Madere,
908-281-7470
Scheduling Coordinators
Confirmation students:
TBD
Meals:
Terry Kwiatek
908-359-3264
Greeters:
Lisa Elwood
908-874-9984
Sandra Malebranche
908-359-9502
Overnight:
Elaine Madere
908-281-7470
How can I donate money, items, or other necessities to the IHN
program?
Donations can go directly to St. Joseph’s Social Concerns
Ministry.
Call Michelle Laffoon
(908)874-3141 ext. 236
The IHN Flynn Center in Somerville also accepts donations and
support.
Call Renee or Heather
(908)704-1920,
or visit http://www.ihnsomconj.org
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