These two words represent the entire

mission of Interfaith Homeless Network,

which has tirelessly and relentlessly

served homeless families in Chattanooga

for the last ten years. Working with area

churches, IHN provides counseling, services,

shelter, job placement and housing

for Chattanooga homeless families, which

comprise 40 percent of our homeless population.

For the IHN staff, welcoming the families

they serve into new homes is their top

goal.

And now, those two words – “Welcome

Home’’ – are appropriate once again for

IHN. On October 17, the new Family Day

Center will have its grand opening celebration

at 10:30 am. The new center – on

Baldwin Street – is a dream come true,

and celebrating its opening that morning

will be the entire IHN staff, so many of its

volunteers, local elected officials, the

media and, of course, many of its clients.

“We are building a dream for IHN and

ending homelessness one family at a

time,” said Mary Ellen Galloway, IHN’s

executive director. “From the inside-out,

this day center for homeless families will

be a place where children play, homework

happens and small children nap.

“Homeless families need a place ‘to be’

during the day where children can play,

receive tutoring, and participate in a reading

program and families can eat, take

showers, do laundry, nap children and receive

transportation, case management,

educational classes and assistance finding

jobs, housing, education, training, supportive

services and community resources

until they transition to employment, housing

and self-sufficiency,’’ said Ms. Galloway.

“This day center is our dream come

true.’’

It comes at a time when such help is so

very needed.’’

The new day center will offer multiple services, all of

them immeasurable and invaluable in helping homeless

families regain their lives, dignity and sense of place.

Read Aloud Chattanooga, Kids Café from the Chattanooga

Food Bank, money management, budgeting and

parenting classes, job training classes, employment assistance,

literacy and GED programs and social services will

all be offered, on site, making the new IHN day center the

area leader in offering help to our homeless neighbors.

It comes at a much-needed time.

Children make up twenty-five percent of homeless

Chattanoogans.

Forty percent of all homeless Chattanoogans are families.

Homeless families are the

fastest growing segment of the

homeless population.

“The mission of the Interfaith

Homeless Network is to

keep families together and

help them find homes,’’ said

Mayor Ron Littlefield, who

will attend the October celebration

and was there for the

groundbreaking ceremony last

fall.

IHN would not exist without

the countless number of volunteers

and area church members. Through IHN, homeless

families find temporary homes at churches and

synagogues that open their doors to provide volunteer

support, meals, overnight lodging and hospitality while

guest families search for employment and housing. There

are more than 45 churches and synagogues that support

homeless families 365 nights a year.

“Our work is not done,’’ said Ms. Galloway. “We are

always in need of more help and more assistance. This

day center will help in ways beyond our imagination.

“On behalf of all the families who have now found

homes once again, IHN says thank you. And welcome

home.’’