Salem Interfaith Hospitality Network (Salem IHN) provides emergency shelter for homeless families in the Salem, Oregon area. We are able to help up to four families (14 people) at a time using local congregations to help feed and shelter families. During the day, families stay at our Day Center, where they can do laundry, take showers, and consult with our staff about finding affordable housing and sustainable employment.

Each night, we transport the families to a local church, where volunteers from the church prepare them dinner, play with the kids, and provide a place for them to sleep. In the morning, more volunteers prepare breakfast for the families and we transport them back to our Day Center.

To be eligible for our program, our participants must meet the following criteria:

• One or more children under the age of 18
• All children enrolled in school
• Families must be drug and alcohol-free

We accept single parent families, as well as unmarried couples--we've even had a family that was a grandparent raising a grandchild.

We are a 501(c)(3) organization and all donations made to us are tax-deductible.

Salem IHN is affiliated with Family Promise, a national, non-profit organization that assists religious and community organizations in developing local, autonomous Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) programs.

The goal of Family Promise is to alleviate homelessness by forming Networks to provide shelter, meals, and assistance for homeless families,  which increase community involvement in direct service and advocacy for the homeless.

In May, 1999, a group of faith communities in Salem, Oregon began operating as the 59th community IHN network. This Web site gives information about our program and activities. We invite you to contact us for more information or to find out about participating.

About us

Our Mission

Salem IHN's mission is to provide safe, warm, transitional shelter for families while they seek permanent housing. The Network advocates for our guests and assists them in obtaining housing, employment, childcare and other vital services.

Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice ... to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them; and not hide yourself from your own kin?

Isaiah 58:6-7