Interfaith Hospitality Network of Essex County, an affiliate of Family Promise®
Serving Families in Essex County New Jersey for 20 Years
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Interfaith Hospitality Network of Essex County, an affiliate of Family Promise®
Serving Families in Essex County New Jersey for 20 Years
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Homeless Families: Who Are They?(excerpted and adapted with the permission of NIHN/Family Promise)There are no typical homeless families; however, certain demographics predominate. Many IHN guests are single-parent families headed by single mothers.* Most often, IHN guest families include a mother in her twenties or early thirties with two or three children under the age of ten. More than likely, the mother has been economically disadvantaged for a long time; she has been or is now living on public assistance; she has an employment history and life skills that are insufficient for making a living in today's economy. Some families come from generations of poverty; others come from more stable economic backgrounds, and a medical crisis or job loss may have led to homelessness. Some families may also have histories that include difficult social problems. These and other problems have a heavy impact --they can take a toll on an individual's ability to cope. At best, homelessness involves the loss of territory and personal security. But for many individuals and families, homelessness is more than simply "houselessness." Homelessness may mean the more profound loss of family, friends, and the support system that connects most of us to a stable life. Homeless families may also be struggling to reconnect with a community that has given up on them. IHN volunteers provide a supportive environment for homeless families. IHN congregations provide an opportunity for homeless families to connect with a caring community. In working with homeless families, IHN staff help people in crisis. People in crisis may manifest emotions and behaviors, such as anger, frustration, helplessness and withdrawal. In response to stress, they may experience tangible physical and emotional reactions --such as fatigue, headaches, anxiety or depression. These symptoms are all normal responses to real-life threats. They may complicate a guest's already difficult task of achieving an independent life. Fortunately, crises are usually temporary--they can and will be resolved. The members of homeless families may need services to assist them on their path toward independence. IHN staff help link homeless families to these services. Staff and volunteer mentors help homeless guests recognize their personal strengths and abilities. IHN mentors and staff also help guests develop their own capacities to meet the challenges that face them. (For more information about the IHN mentor program, please call the IHN office at 973-313-0011.) *Recently, IHN has hosted a number of two-parent families. We attribute the rise in requests for shelter from two-parent families to the economic downturn and the lack of affordable housing in New Jersey. |
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