Covid-19 has changed lots of things, including how Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) feeds, shelters, and shows love to homeless families. Here are the important things to know.
IHN programming falls under essential services as outlined in section 8 of Governor Mike DeWine’s Stay-at-Home Order. Staff and volunteers can travel for these purposes, but such travel should be reduced and limited as much as possible, especially for volunteers.
Under current emergency Board of Health orders, it is not permitted to have the homeless receive shelter for a week in church buildings. Families in emergency shelter are now in a hotel so that they have access to their own kitchen and bathroom spaces. This also allows for social distancing from volunteers, staff, and other families. Families are still served by their case managers, often by phone and email.
IHN will still rely on persons and congregations to provide food, but this will be handled differently. More information will be provided later. What is known now is that, to limit food handling and number of drop offs, IHN will be asking for donations of pre-packaged breakfast, lunch, and snack supplies only. Possibilities include Lunchables, or packages of luncheon meats and loaves of bread that a whole family can use to make sandwiches, rather than the volunteers making the sandwiches themselves. Items that can microwaved are also especially helpful (mac and cheese cups, soup cups, etc.).
Here are some things you can do now to help:
(1) Donate Kroger gift cards to help provide for families. Luckily, there is a Kroger within walking distance of the hotel. The large ask, what we need each of you to do, is to donate some amount on a Kroger gift card for IHN. This can be ordered online to be shipped directly to IHN ( 990 Nassau Ave – 45206), to minimize contact. Increments of $10 are preferred, not to exceed $50.
(2) Make a contribution to IHN by visiting: www.ihncincinnati.org/take-action/give
(3) Donate items to make kid/adult activity packs for families. Anything that can entertain a family that is isolated would be helpful. These can include puzzles and board games. Please provide new, unopened items only.
Donations can also be mailed to:
Interfaith Hospitality Network
990 Nassau Street
Cincinnati, OH 45206.
Thanks so much for continuing to work together, even as we remain apart.
If you have questions, please email Rae Jane Araujo at:
March 25, 2020.
