Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Worcester News – January 2021

interfaith hospitality network (IHN) logo - shows young girl kissing her father

Happy New Year!

Our host week at the Interfaith Hospitality Network at 91 June Street, Worcester is January 17-23, 2021.   IHN of Greater Worcester works in partnership with the faith community to provide shelter and assistance to families with children who are homeless. The program’s primary goals are to assist families in increasing their income and to help them secure permanent housing, while providing the critical support services necessary for them to succeed.  

UUCW commits two weeks per year but we’ve also been helping throughout the year since the pandemic began.

We may be concerned about exposure while volunteering during this unprecedented time, but I can tell you I feel safe while at the house.  There have been no COVID-related illnesses by staff or residents, the number of families are lower than usual, air purifiers have been installed on each floor, and other safety protocols such as social distancing, mask wearing and hand washing are adhered to.  We are asked to stay on the 1st floor and be available when needed.  We are not bringing food or eating with the residents.

As we have all learned to manage in the era of COVID, we hope you will consider continuing, coming back or starting to serve at IHN.  Your volunteerism helps provide many hours of coverage to ensure the safety and security of the families.  This gift of commitment and time is invaluable to their success.

You can sign up HERE for an evening (5:30-8:30) or overnight (8:30 pm-6:30 am Sun-Thurs/8:30 pm-8:30 am Fri & Sat) slot.  Check the box of the slot you can fill, click submit and sign up at the bottom, fill in your name and email then click sign up now.  It’s that easy.  The need for grocery funds is greater and if that is something you can help with click HERE to donate.  (We are using the youth group’s fund for disbursement of funds). 

For more information, email sueneaz at townisp dot com. Thank you!!!