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Sussex County Interfaith Hospitality Network
The Interfaith Hospitality Network is a united ecumenical effort to provide food and shelter to families without homes in a supportive and caring environment. Churches provide the overnight facilities and meals and the volunteers to support them. The Network provides a day center facility and uses its resources to help the families look for housing, jobs, and childcare. St Thomas ' is beginning its eighth year participating in this program.
St. Thomas ' is unlike many host congregations in that we have a shower and laundry facilities onsite. Most of the time, the guests use the day-center laundry and shower facilities so while they are with us, they can fulfill this basic need on a more leisurely basis. This past year we arranged our 4 host weeks as 2- two-week hostings for the first time. We have offered guests safe and clean overnight accommodations, a home cooked dinner each night and breakfasts on weekend days, use of our computer, holiday and birthday celebrations - all provided in an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality. We have also been extremely fortunate to have an outpouring of support of our friends at Vernon United Methodist Church next door. Their youth group has regularly helped on our set-up day and their spirit of volunteerism has enabled us to continue to participate at this level.
We are always in need of new volunteers as we have lost many over the past few years who played key roles. New volunteers are always paired with experienced volunteers to build and ensure a comfort level with what is required or expected.
We are currently looking for new people to share the coordinators role; please feel free to contact Pam Schulien or Terry Taylor if you want to find out more information about how you can help ~
Pam Schulien
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