Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network (RAIHN)

The mission of the RAIHN organization:

The Rochester Areas Interfaith Hospitality Network, a non-profit organization of faith communities, assists homeless families achieve sustainable independence by supporting them with resources of food, shelter, personalized case management and a broad network of caring volunteers.

The goals of the organization are:

1. To keep heomeless families together during the crisis of homelessness.
2. To provide family members a secure and loving haven.
3. To enable family members to maintain their routines as much as possible, promoting a sense of wellness.
4. To reinstate families in permanent, safe housing.
5. To provide dignity as well as service.

There are thirteen or more participating organizations who furnish accomodations and a "hospitality room" where guests relax, socialize, do homework or watch television. Guests arrive at the host organization at 5:30 pm and remain overnight. The host congregation provides the evening meal, breakfast, and a bag lunch. In the morning, guests return to the day center downtown where they can pursue employment (if necessary), do laundry, meet with agency representatives as appropriate, etc. Children go to school or to day care.

Epiphany assists nearby Trinity Emmanual Lutheran church, a participating organization. More than forty volunteers during the hosting week share the tasks of providing meals, transportation, socializing with and assisting guests. We welcome the RAIHN guests four times a year (every thirteen weeks).

Our next hosting dates are April 30-May 7, 2006. Sign up sheets have been posted.

How can you help?

We can use help with these tasks during the hosting week:

• Providing part of dinner for 12 -15.
• Laundering bedding.
• Staying overnight with the guests.
• Driving the van during the day (no special license needed).
• Donating articles.
• Providing breakfast or bag lunches.
• Providing a hot lunch on Sunday.

If you're interested in helping out this vital social outreach program, contact Hazel Richford or Birdie Ames, or the church office. You can really make a difference in a family's life!

RAIHN web site (opens in a new browser window)