GIHN is a flexible, cooperative ministry providing an opportunity for our community to be actively involved in caring for the needs of homeless families.
GIHN is one of over 181 Interfaith Hospitality Networks in 41 states nationwide. Like all of the networks, GIHN’s primary program is to provide shelter to homeless families. In Goshen we use a shelter model unique to Interfaith Hospitality: from 7:00AM to 5:00PM we provide access to our day center at 105 S. 3rd Street and then we offer transportation to one of the many local host/partner churches for a ministry of nurturance. At the host church, families are given a warm, welcoming home environment where meals are served, lodging is provided, and friendships can be developed.
GIHN came into being with the assistance of the National Interfaith Hospitality Network. Today, like all local networks, it exists as a freestanding ministry dependent on the financial gifts of individuals, churches, and businesses for its operational funds. Since receiving our first guest into shelter care in October 1995 we have been a vital part of the services for the homeless in Goshen and Elkhart County. Overall, Elkhart County residents make up 90-95% of our guests in any given year.
We believe that the range and depth of the problems experienced by homeless families are such that spiritual healing is a necessary part of the recovery process. Based on this assumption, Goshen Interfaith Hospitality Network works to be a ministry of nurturance and networking, bringing together individuals in need of receiving with individuals in need of giving. It is our belief that giving and receiving in this way reveals the availability of God’s love for all.
Interfaith Hospitality Network is devoted to providing resources and temporary shelter for the homeless in crisis by partnering with congregations and the community.
• We believe that every human being has inherent worth and should be treated fairly in all circumstances with respect for their uniqueness and personal dignity.
• We believe that given the opportunity people can and will excel.
• We believe that the community is a collection of people who are each equally responsible to one another to ensure the well-being of each individual as well as the whole community.
• We believe that every child has the right to enjoy the opportunity to thrive in a loving, caring environment.
• We believe that homelessness has neither a single cause nor a single solution.
• We believe that homelessness, like poverty, is an all-intrusive affliction that is injurious to the physical, emotional, and spiritual self.
