Matthew 25:  I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me drink, was a stranger and you received me, naked and you clothed me.  Whatever you do unto the least of my brothers, you do for me.

Interfaith Housing Coalition provides transitional housing, training and support services for Dallas area homeless families.

Utilizing a comprehensive and accountable approach to address the root issues of homelessness, this ministry assists program residents in obtaining permanent employment, becoming self-sufficient and rebuilding their lives and families.  The purpose of the program is to empower people to change their lives.

HISTORY

In 1985, two churches joined resources to establish a 12-unit transitional housing facility for homeless families.  In July 2002, the Housing Coalition purchased 24 additional units.  Currently, the program provides housing and support services to 135 families annually and maintains 15 full-time staff and 200+ volunteers.  The program has recently established a “Second Step Program” for families needing continued support beyond the short-term program.

Interfaith Housing is not an emergency shelter.  They provide furnished apartments, a structured Employment Program, training in employment readiness/retention and budgeting and life skills. The Children's Program offers after school care, tutoring, and evening classes while parents attend training sessions. There is also a full-day summer program.

HCUMC Program Participation

Currently, we maintain a one bedroom apartment for the program.   When a family has successfully completed the program, they are allowed to take any items, except furniture, from the apartment when they move.  This includes linens, dishes, kitchen items and small appliances.

HCUMC volunteers and their families have the opportunity to serve as support for resident families.

• Prepare an apartment (clean, stock pantry, make beds, and provide personal touches)
• Provide the first meal to welcome the family.
• Be a Host family by planning regular visits or outings and sending notes of encouragement during resident's stay.
  
• Provide monetary support to furnish the apartment and stock the apartment pantry.
• Donate needed items when the apartment is refurnished after a family leaves.
• Serve as a volunteer weekly to provide mentoring support
  

Go to www.interfaithhousingcoalition.org to find out more about the program.

Contact Jean Allen at 972-446-9274 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to find out what you can do.