SIHN:Responding to Family Homelessness

“We are so grateful, I can’t even tell you. We just don’t know what to do, and we don’t want to see my sister and her little baby to be placed far away where we wouldn’t be able to see her. Thank you so much.” — The sister of a young mother when she met with us for an intake at Grace House, after a referral from St. Joseph’s Parish in Charlton.

Keeping families together in times of crisis is a critical step in helping them regain self-sufficiency. The Southbridge Interfaith Hospitality Network (SIHN),  is a support network of over 20 local congregations and community organizations providing a safe and secure place for families in transition.

Rooms at Grace House are available to families who may not qualify for placement through the Department of Transitional Assistance due to income, shelter abandonment, or other factors. Our hands-on approach helps families attain financial support, employment, education, and permanent housing, enabling them to become self-sufficient. Families are encouraged to save a significant portion of their income to help with relocation expenses.

An estimated 500 dedicated volunteers, from over 20 local church congregations and community organizations, support SIHN’s efforts by providing companionship and assistance for families at Grace House.

Our goal at the Southbridge Interfaith Hospitality Network is to:

1. Keep families together in a time of crisis
2. Provide family support to achieve their goal of employment and permanent housing
3. Increase awareness and opportunities for congregational and community members to be active in reducing homelessness

For more information contact SIHN at 508-764-4357.