Baltimore Interfaith Hospitality Network (BIHN)
Faith Presbyterian Church
5400 Loch Raven Blvd.
Baltimore MD 21239
410-235-2111
In a typical Interfaith Hospitality Network, half of the guests are children, most of whom are under six years of age.
Baltimore Interfaith Hospitality Network Inc. (BIHN) is a non profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides a creative response for homeless families. BIHN brings together many interfaith congregations to provide not only shelter, but also warmth and compassion for families in need.
BIHN provides 24 hour accommodations which include, overnight accommodations in the congregations, meals, showers, laundry facilities, support, and case management. Faith congregations are united with a day center and social service agencies to help families do what they can not do alone.
Guests of BIHN are those families wishing to break the cycle of homelessness through a proven method of self-sufficiency, volunteer mentoring and a compassionate and respectful environment in which to accomplish their goals.
There is currently no other program that is like BIHN. "There are very few shelters that provide services for intact families," says Laura Gillis, director of Baltimore Homeless Services.
At the heart of our Network program are the volunteers. They function as a personal support network for the homeless families or "guests" as they are referred to in the Network. By sharing food, conversation, and personal interaction with guests, the volunteers see the human face of homelessness and learn about its causes. Volunteers not only work in their congregation's facility but also help guests find housing, jobs and job training opportunities. As a result, over 83% of guest families are successful in the program and secure and maintain affordable housing.
The Baltimore IHN consists of congregations of all faiths, which host up to five families (fourteen family members total) for a week at a time, providing meals, overnight accommodations and a compassionate heart to make a difference. The BIHN is an affiliate of the National Interfaith Hospitality Network, now known as Family Promise, with 122 affiliates throughout 35 states, traditionally all IHN's work in a collaborative effort within their communities to provide the best services possible to guests of the Network. The BIHN Network began forming three years ago, since the beginning, we have worked with and been assisted by the Office of Baltimore Homeless Services who has graciously provided statistical information as well as guidance to provide the best service possible to homeless families in our community. As the new Executive Director comes on board, we have every intention of working with and partnering for collaborative efforts with all local agencies to provide a streamlined service for families seeking to end the cycle of homelessness.
