YWCA’s Interfaith Hospitality Network provides crisis

housing and 24-hour services for homeless families. 

The network is comprised of 120 local congregations

that serve as hosts for one week at a time, providing

meals and overnight shelter to families.  The goal is

to move the families to more stable housing.  In 2002,

the Interfaith Hospitality Network served more than

600 families who stayed an average of 20 days.  During

the day, families work with case managers who help

them find permanent housing, employment and other

community services.

Youmeakia Banks, her husband and their eight

children turned to the Interfaith Hospitality Network

when the family was experiencing a difficult time.

“I became ill and had to go to the hospital, so my

husband quit his job to take care of the children,

Youmeakia said. “We have temporary housing until

I get back on my feet and my husband finds a job.”

The Interfaith Hospitality Network has linked the

family to the Family Housing Collaborative for rental

assistance and housing placement.