The idea of the Metrowest Interfaith Hospitality Network of Massachusetts was originally conceived by members of the Wellesley Congregational Village Church and by members of Natick’s Christ Lutheran Church in 2003 in conjunction with Family Promise. The road to becoming a functioning Interfaith Hospitality Network and an affiliate of Family Promise was a long, richly rewarding one. A five-year process of development involved research, outreach, volunteer recruitment, fundraising, capital improvements, and legal work. Today, twenty-three faith communities (13 host congregations and 10 support congregations) and one thousand volunteers are united to serve families with children (who have lost their homes) through safe transitional shelter, meals, and supportive case management. The collective vision became a reality when the Network welcomed its first family in October of 2009.
Host congregations each furnish safe, temporary lodging, and nutritious meals for up to fourteen guests (or 4 families) for a week every three months. Guests use our Network Day Center to shower, do laundry, care for preschool children, and seek employment and/or housing with the support of the Network Director and the Assistant Director. Local service agencies and advocates refer families to the Network. Interviews are conducted to insure there is a match between the Guest's needs and the Network's mission.
Scores of volunteers from each congregation provide hospitality to guests and assist with meal preparation, room set-up, shopping, cleaning, etc. Each volunteer is trained to ensure an understanding of the program and a sensitivity to our guests. Volunteers of all ages perform a variety of tasks necessary to provide a safe and a comfortable home for the families. Dinner and evening hosts eat with the guests or plan children’s activities. Overnight hosts are available in case of an emergency. Others purchase food and supplies, prepare the rooms for the guests’ arrival and handle the laundry at the end of host week. Volunteers may organize baby showers for expectant mothers, holiday parties, and furniture drives for families preparing to move to their new home. Teachers assist children with homework and tutor parents who may be studying for the GED. Accountants help families establish a budget. Attorneys provide legal assistance.
The First Baptist Church in Natick donated space for our Day Center: providing needed room for offices and space for the guest families to gather during the day. A phone line and computers are designated for the families to facilitate their job and housing searches and education. Local businesses helped with the needed Day Center renovations. Each family receives intensive, personal case management under the supervision of the Network Director and the Assistant Director. A board of directors (presently 9 members) provides oversight, manages capital improvements, and leads fund raising activities.
If needed, transportation is provided to job interviews, work sites, to school for the children, and to seek housing. The Network owns a van, donated by Lutheran Social Services’ Good News Garage and employs three part-time van drivers to provide transportation services.
MIHN Milestones