Family Mentoring To prevent homelessness, we train volunteers to help at-risk families achieve goals and maintain self-sufficiency. Just Neighbors: An Interactive Poverty Awareness Program Our interactive educational program raises awareness of poverty and homelessness as the first step in establishing community-based responses Community Initiatives We foster local IHN outgrowth programs, such as transitional housing, housing renovation, job training, health care services, childcare and literacy. Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) Our networks of congregations and volunteers meet homeless families' immediate needs for shelter, meals, and comprehensive support services. Voices Uniting Volunteers work together to promote policies that alleviate poverty and improve the well-being of low-income families. Family Promise

Serves homeless families with children Partners with Communities of Faith Strengths Based Case Management Family Promise Mentoring Program Just Neighbors Program Interfaith Hospitality Network

The goal of the mentors is to build committed relationships with families and individuals, to help them define and meet goals in order to achieve and maintain self-reliance and independence. Family Mentoring Program Goal:

Program Topics: Comprehensive Training Materials Study of Poverty Communication Skills Values Exploration Diversity Training Life Skills Goal Setting/Action Planning/Problem Solving Financial Planning/Budgeting Resources Relationships - Life Skills - Resources

Additional Resources Just Neighbors – An Interactive Poverty Awareness Program Videos Poverty Simulations Large and Small Group Discussion Topics Role-Playing Activities Relationships - Life Skills - Resources

There are currently 35 IHN affiliates with Mentoring Programs Agencies reported that they remained connected to 100% of mentored families versus a range of 20% - 65% of those not mentored. Agencies saw significant increases in families sustaining their housing for more than one year when mentored Statistics

Mentoring Statistics

Faith Community IHN or other shelter programs Fatherhood Initiative Mentoring Program (“Be a Man!”) Faith Community Service Fund Building Healthy Marriages Agency Partnerships Champions Program Collaborative program among multiple agencies partnering Case Management and Mentoring Family Treatment Court Mentoring Bridges Out of Poverty Getting Ahead in a Just Getting By World Community Partnerships

“Bridges Out of Poverty” by Ruby K. Payne “Getting Ahead in a Just Getting By World” by Phil DeVol Circles Campaign The Next Step – Ending Poverty

Family Mentoring Changes Lives

The Road Home Dane County Madison, WI Kristin Rucinski

Second Chance Apartment Project 2 year transitional housing Partner with YWCA and local sponsors Sponsors pay rent for 2 years Families pay 30% of their income as “rent” Their “rent” actually is used to repair credit (pay past bills, landlords, etc.) Mentoring component as well Obviously, a HUGE commitment, so how do we recruit congregations to participate?

1. Faith in Action Speak their language They preach and talk about feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, etc. They’ll want to participate because you’re offering them an opportunity to act upon the teachings of their faith

2. Make it easy and accessible Tasks should be concrete, manageable and structured Have reasonable expectations Offer a variety of ways for the members to be involved Have the answers to their questions Don’t ask volunteers/congregations to handle discipline, crisis management, etc. Don’t ask clergy to take the lead

3. Find a Champion Find lay leadership to help navigate the congregation Or a member who can help open the doors to them Expect slow timelines Follow the lead of your champion

4. Address the fear factor Let people acknowledge what they fear Bring examples of success Clarify safety procedures and other protective mechanisms

5. Definition of success Be clear of what “success” means so you can avoid setting them up for disappointment Their efforts won’t end poverty, end homelessness, etc.

6. Relationships and Trust Like all recruitments and partnerships, this is all about building relationships and trust Don’t beg, thank them, etc.

7. Why your program? Be convincing and respectful of the congregations’ right to choose They have many things on their plate Explain why they should choose your project over others when resources are limited

Housing and Hope Permanent housing Affordable and supported On-site case management $4.25 million capital campaign – Buy and rehab buildings – Forever Fund