Des Moines Area Interfaith Hospitality Network

Des Moines Area Interfaith Hospitality Network

The Des Moines Area Interfaith Hospitality Network is part of a national group that organizes congregations to provide food, shelter and case management to families with children who need temporary housing.

Since 2004, 14 Des Moines area churches (called HOSTS) have provided overnight housing for one week per quarter for up to 14 people (3-4 families at a time). The guests spend daytime hours at Westminster Presbyterian Church (unless they are working) attending school or filling out job applications etc.

The HOST congregations drive the guests to their church in the early evening, prepare & serve dinner, provide hospitality during the evening hours, serve a light breakfast in the morning and make available supplies for sack lunches. Two representatives from HOST congregations then spend the night at the church with the guests to be available for security and emergencies. The guests are driven back to Westminster by 7 a.m.

Beginning in September, St. John's will become a SUPPORT congregation within this network. We will be partnered with one of the HOST congregations to provide support (AT THE HOST CHURCH) as needed during the one assigned week each quarter. (Four weeks per year)

This is a wonderful opportunity for all St. John's members to become involved in the lives of families with children who are working to stabilize their lives enough to gain permanent housing. We'll also receive the blessing of fellowship with folks from another area of faith community.