How It Works
We empower Warren County families to regain their housing, their independence, and their dignity.
OUR HISTORY
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Interfaith Hospitality Network of Warren County opened its doors in October of 1998. During that time, many questioned if Warren County even had an issue with homeless families. During IHNWC's first year of operation, 28 homeless families were taken into the program. Unfortunately, the number of families in need of housing has only increased since 1998.
With humble beginnings on Lebanon's Cherry Street, IHNWC has transformed substantially. Now located at 203 E. Warren Street, IHNWC not only offers non-emergency shelter services, but also provides Homeless Prevention & Rapid-Rehousing, Furniture Assistance, and numerous programs intended to help local families.
In 2003, National Interfaith Hospitality Network changed their name to Family Promise. This name change reflects the broad rage of promise and vision to end homelessness. It also refers to a promise in the sense of a commitment which a community makes to families in need as well as the promise and the potential inherent in every family who is in need. In an effort to align with Family Promise, the Interfaith Hospitality Network of Warren County officially adopted the name Family Promise of Warren County in April 2021. This name change gives us the opportunity to not only highlight our anchor program, the IHN Shelter, but also share the other programs that are offered to better serve the Warren County community - Heaven and Hearth furniture ministry, Homeless Crisis Response Program (HCRP) and Coats for a Cause.
In addition to these programs, FPWC works to find solutions for community members undergoing hardship. For example, a homeless individual may enter the office with nowhere to go. FPWC will assist in finding a roof to put over this individual's head for the night. Or, an individual in an abusive relationship may contact the office needing shelter. FPWC will locate the appropriate services in Warren County, and advise the individual of the best action to take. These instances are part of our referral process. As of December 31, 2019, FPWC staff successfully handled a total of 2,502 individuals, 14,064 referrals and a total of 866 families, to include 1,522 children (under 18) have been assisted since our inception.
Refer to the 2022 Community Impact Report for 2022 statistics.
86%
of each dollar spent
directly benefits Warren County Families
87%
of families served find housing
1,524
total number of families assisted through the shelter program
At Family Promise of Warren County (IHN), we recognize that poverty is a complex problem that requires a multifaceted response. We respond by integrating educational outreach, smart programming, effective policies, and the hands-on work of thousands of volunteers. We provide food, support services, and emergency housing for families experiencing homelessness. We provide advice and advocacy for at-risk families to prevent their becoming homeless, and we educate people about poverty and the means to combat it.
Our guests are housed in a rotational shelter model that engages a network of community partners and congregations, to house families in different locations each week. A designated space within each faith community is provided for Family Promise of Warren County (IHN) houseguests to spend each night.
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Early each morning, houseguests prepare breakfast before boarding the bus to the Family Promise of Warren County (IHN) Day Center, where they meet with their case manager and receive assistance finding employment, handling legal matters, and fulfilling the requirements needed for housing.
Our volunteers are the core of the program - creating and connecting families to the community, they share food, spend the night, play with children, and lend their passion and expertise to help families get back on their feet.
