PAIHN: An Effective Solution
Church communities join together as the Pueblo Area Interfaith Hospitality Network in an ecumenical effort to provide “hands-on” ministry to homeless families with children.
- Specially trained volunteers put their faith into action by welcoming families into their congregation’s facilities and providing hospitality to include meals, overnight accommodations, and companionship. Currently there are nine area churches hosting families on a revolving basis and seven additional congregations that partner with host churches to provide additional volunteers and other support.
- Through financial support of area churches and concerned individuals a space is rented for a Family Day Center. This facility is staffed with professionals who provide case management and resource support to families in the program. The families are expected to meet weekly goals pertaining to employment, housing, budgeting and education. After a family has attained the resources needed to leave the program and return to self-sufficiency, the staff will continue to provide support for up to six months.
- The Network provides 5840 bed/nights and up to 17,520 meals annually. This is a local effort to solve local issues.
- The Network is a cost effective way to help homeless families. Since it uses existing facilities and relies on a volunteer base, the average cost is approximately $16.95 per person per day, well below the national average in a shelter of $42.00 per person per day.
- The Network provides shelter services to over 30 families per year on a budget of $99,000. This includes salaries, operating expenses and direct client services.
- More than 70% of the families served by the Network have achieved a successful graduation to a stable, self-sufficient and independent life.
- According to the families, they have felt that PAIHN staff and volunteers have treated them with DIGNITY. This is the single most important aspect of the Network. No one should have to loose his or her dignity just because they have lost their home.