HOUSTON— The Interfaith Homeless Network (IHN) at Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) is a collaboration of faith-based congregations who work together to meet the needs of local families who are homeless. By working together to supply basic needs IHN helps families rise out of homelessness and create a safe, stable home in which to grow and thrive.
On Wednesday, October 10, 2018, the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County hosted its annual World Homeless Day Awards reception presented by CORT Furniture. Recognizing World Homeless Day at a local level, the event provides an update on the status of homelessness in Houston and honors advocates for their work with those experiencing homelessness.
More than 300 guests, including Coalition for the Homeless staff, The Way Home partner organizations and honorees gathered for the reception at The Ballroom at Bayou Place for light bites and cocktails and an update from Coalition President and CEO Marilyn Brown. Guests celebrated more than 30 World Homeless Day award recipients for their critical work to the efforts of solving homelessness in the Greater Houston area.
This year, The Way Home Navigation Workgroup, which includes NAM as one of its partners, won the 2018 World Homeless Day Spirit of Collaboration Award. The Navigation Workgroup also consists of the following agencies: AIDS Foundation Houston, Avenue 360, The Beacon, Catholic Charities, Change Happens, Corder Place Apartments, City of Houston Mayor’s Office on Homeless Initiatives, COMPASS, CSH, Harmony House, Harris County Community Services Department, Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homeless Outreach Team, Houston Housing Authority, Houston Police Department Homeless Outreach Team, New Hope Housing, Inc., SEARCH Homeless Services, Star of Hope, Temenos CDC, The Women’s Home, Salvation Army, USVETS, Houston VA, and Volunteers of America Texas.
“It is an honor for all of us to be recognized for our efforts to end homelessness,” said Karen Weakly, NAM’s Manager of Emergency Basic Needs/Interfaith Homeless Network. “Our commitment in 2018 has proven that we really do accomplish more as a system when we work together.”
IHN is open to any family who is homeless or transitioning from homelessness. This may include families served by NAM’s Housing Services, those referred by congregations or other local social service agencies, or families who contact NAM for assistance. To contact NAM’s Interfaith Homeless Network, please call (281)-885-4567 or visit namonline.org for more information.
Northwest Assistance Ministries is a non-profit, community-based social service agency that strives to meet basic human needs through Neighbors Helping Neighbors. NAM provides assistance in areas such as food, shelter, health, education and domestic violence awareness and intervention. During its last fiscal year, NAM touched the lives of more than 129,000 people through its many programs and services.