IHN of Greater Cincinnati History

Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Cincinnati (IHNGC) is an affiliate of National Interfaith Hospitality Network, now Family Promise .

Interfaith Hospitality Networks are unique partnerships of congregations and professionally-staffed day centers that provide shelter, meals, and support services to homeless families in 104 networks in over 90 cities or counties in 30 states. Ohio networks include IHNs in Cincinnati, Lebanon, Xenia, Columbus and Cleveland in Ohio.

The IHN program is unique in that it endeavors to unite all religious denominations (Protestant, Jewish, Catholic, etc.) in its efforts to assist homeless families. The IHNGC illustrates the diversity of IHN with support from all three of these denominations.

1986: The first Interfaith Hospitality Network began in 1986 in New Jersey.

1989: The national organization was formed in 1989 to share knowledge and experience among the Networks. Family Promise is in Summit, New Jersey

1991: IHN of Greater Cincinnati opened its doors October 26, 1991, with eight hosting congregations. We have since grown to 20 hosting congregations representing Protestant, Catholic and Jewish faiths, to become one of the largest providers for homeless families in the Cincinnati area. These “hosting congregations” are supported by over 42 “assisting” and 52 “funding” congregations, which contribute food, financial support and more than 1000 volunteers.

1999-2003: In the past four years, IHNGC has assisted 338 families (including 1,180 individuals, of which 937 were children) with emergency food and shelter, transportation, schooling, jobs and permanent housing. Of this number, 231 families (60% of total) found stable housing.

2003: In 2003, IHNGC served a total of 99 families (including 323 individuals). We know for sure that at least 60% of these families found stable housing. However, we estimate our success rate at about 90%, since we know that only about 6% of families that come through IHNGC return to emergency shelters in the Cincinnati area.

2004: In 2004, IHNGC served a total of 88 families (including 276 individuals, 66% of which were children).

2005: In 2005, IHNGC served a total of 100 families (including 333 individuals, 62% of which were children).

2006: In 2006, IHNGC served a total of 108 families (including 359 individuals, 64% of which were children).