CIHN works in partnership with Capitol Hill Group Ministry (CHGM) to identify families, primarily in southeast Washington, DC, in crisis due to homelessness. Families must come to us through CHGM.

[more > where to start if your family is in need of our help]

ONE NIGHT AT A TIME. Participating congregations and associations provide temporary overnight housing to families in need by using their facilities to house families from 6:30 p.m. until 7:00 a.m., generally for several weeks at a time. Volunteers (some from the host congregation/association, some from others within our Network) provide meals, conversation, help with the kids, companionship.

[more > about our people + participating congregations & associations]

MORE THAN JUST A PLACE TO STAY. While overnight housing is the immediate issue, it is seldom the only obstacle to getting a family back on more solid footing. CIHN underwrites the cost of a day center in southeast DC that Capitol Hill Group Ministry operates and where clients can seek employment, make telephone calls, receive mail, take parenting classes, attend substance abuse recovery and prevention meetings, receive job training, meet with caseworkers, as well as seek permanent housing.

The Social Worker at CHGM develops a plan with the parent(s) in each family. The plan includes concrete steps and realistic goals to help the parent(s) find their way to a more stable life for themselves and their children.

For many, it is a chance for a new beginning.