Interfaith Homeless Network
Family Day Center Building
Groundbreaking Ceremony
Aug. 27, 2008
Building a Dream ----
Ending Homelessness One Family at a Time
Former guests, board members, volunteer
coordinators, volunteers, clergy and staff were present.
The mayor was present as was the director of
faith based and community partnerships, Al Chapman.
Agenda:
1. Bess Steverson, IHN board president – welcomed attendees
2. Mayor – Special Acknowledgements
• Breaking ground today for the Interfaith Homeless Network day
center symbolizes much more than the preparation for a construction
site; we’re breaking ground for new and better ways to help homeless
families transition to stable housing and self-sufficiency – It’s a
vision AND a place where homeless families will receive help with
transportation, counseling and support services.
• National statistics show that homeless families comprise the
fastest-growing segment of the homeless population nationwide. In
Chattanooga homeless families make up 40 percent of the homeless
population, and one in four is a child. The mission of the
Interfaith Homeless Network is to keep families together and help
them find homes.
• There are current IHN families and former IHN “graduates” among
you today. Some Chattanoogans are just one paycheck away from
becoming homeless. The face of homelessness could be someone just
like you. Homelessness is a complex and often misunderstood issue.
IHN sees past the complexities. They have served homeless families
for more than 10 years.
• The family day center is the culmination of a long-time dream and
a long-term fundraising project for Mary Ellen Galloway, IHN
executive director, her volunteers, staff members and board. The
City of Chattanooga is so proud of how IHN is using this site and
serving homeless families here and in partnership with other
organizations and congregations throughout the City.
• Home is where the heart is. I believe for our homeless families,
the heart starts here – with IHN
3. Blessing of the Ground – Ann Weeks – Good Shepherd Episcopal
Church
4. Mary Ellen Galloway – IHN executive director -- the mission
of IHN
5. Groundbreaking Ceremony
6. Closing Prayer – Rabbi Goldstein – B’nai Zion Synagogue
7. Refreshments
