IHN Homeless Ministry
Ministry Coordinators: Stephanie & Bill Gray helpihn@mindspring.com 732-873-0420 home, 732-310-0846 cell
(Click here to see IHN Rotation Schedule)

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 at the Old Church in East Millstone. 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. The basement is cleaned and prepared for the arrival of the guests later that day. The preparation begins with a general cleaning of the basement, kitchen, and bathroom areas. 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 and open the basement. 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 leave the church.

CLEAN UP
2nd Sunday, 9:30 – 10:30 Confirmation students and two supervising parents help break down the basement after the guests leave. Cots and personal belongings are loaded onto a truck to be delivered to the next church. Again, the basement, kitchen, and bathrooms are 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:

Scheduling Coordinators
(Click here to see IHN Rotation Schedule)

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 check http://www.ihnsomconj.org/