Dear Beloved Community,

IHN has existed for many years because of our community of supporters like you. We have been supported by 30 congregations for over two decades, which is AMAZING. Thank you!!! We truly appreciate your commitment.

Unfortunately, with increasing costs and decreasing sources of support (including substantial reductions in government grant funding) the congregation-supported model for IHN is no longer tenable. Approximately 20% of our budget is covered by congregational giving, the remainder is funded by grants and fundraising (e.g., the Evening of Hope, which has been cancelled for this year). Over the past few years, we have had substantial deficits that Friendly House (FH), our fiduciary (501(c)3), has had to cover, totaling over $200,000.

The IHN Board and staff have worked tirelessly over the past few years attempting to bridge the gap. We’ve hired a fundraising consulting firm and grants have been won, but the amounts are small relative to our deficits. We’ve contacted all congregations, and had over two dozen Zoom calls where we got in-depth feedback and suggestions. Eight congregations followed up reaffirming their commitment, but only one congregation could pledge an increase in donations and time, and a few stated that they could not even cover the Host Weeks they previously committed to. Without a substantial increase in volunteer time and funds from all congregations, the congregation-supported model simply won’t work.

It saddens me to inform you that this past Tuesday, March 18th, FH decided to terminate the memorandum of understanding with IHN and are moving forward with the plan to convert the house into a state-funded emergency assistance (EA) family shelter. FH is committed to housing people experiencing homelessness in the house; they will retain our Program Director, Sheri, and Case Manager, Priscilla, as FH employees to find housing for our remaining families by June 1st.

Until we cross that finish line, we still need your help at the house covering shifts and spending time with our guests. We still have four families staying at the house. If your congregation is scheduled to cover a week, we still need your help. We also have a few Open Weeks (not covered by a congregation) this is an opportunity to come to the house a few times to volunteer before June.

On behalf of the IHN Board, I’d like to thank you again for your continued support. Let us finish the journey strong and keep supporting Friendly House in their endeavors to help fight homelessness in our community. We cannot do this without you!

Sincerely,

Kristen Billiar
Board Chair