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Capital Interfaith Hospitality Network (CIHN) is non-profit coalition of religious and community organizations serving homeless families in Washington, DC. Since 1996, the members of our network have offered shelter and meals to families in need. For our guest families, CIHN is a way station of support and companionship on their journey toward self-sufficiency and for our volunteers it is an opportunity to serve and to achieve a better understanding of poverty and homelessness. THE PROBLEM. According to a recent report by the Fannie Mae Foundation, both the price of homes and rental payments have increased dramatically in Washington, D.C. in the past decade. The result is obvious: fewer and fewer housing options for low to moderate income families. In fact, average rents in multifamily buildings have jumped almost twice as fast as in the Washington region as a whole. Moreover, many rental properties once affordable for those with limited means are being converted to luxury housing or condominiums. With housing prices sky rocketing, it is no surprise that our homeless population is increasing as well. There are over 6,000 homeless individuals in our midst, up 3.4 percent from last year. For every four homeless persons, one will be a child. [more > DC homelessness stats] THE CIHN ANSWER. Through our Network, which includes northwest DC and suburban Maryland congregations and associations, we offer 365 nights a year of home-cooked meals, warm beds and supportive conversation. Several of our congregations offer their facilities as shelters where families sleep while other members provide meals on a rotating basis. During the day, the families are invited to a day center operated by Capitol Hill Group Ministry (CHGM). We work in partnership with CHGM both to identity families in need and to provide them with needed support services. Our goal is simple: open our doors and our hearts to those in need, give them the resources they need to take the next step toward independence and celebrate their move to more stable housing and the opportunity for a better life. [more > our mission] |
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