About
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The Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Johnson City, Tennessee (IHNJC) provides a network of churches and community agencies to promote a community response for homeless families with children. IHNJC is a Family Promise affiliate.
In particular, this response provides an opportunity for homeless families to remain together as a family while addressing the challenges that confront them in obtaining housing. These families receive counseling, services and opportunities on issues related to each family's specific needs. An organized coalition of community churches provide temporary food and shelter for families involved in the Network.
IHNJC serves primarily families from Washington, Carter, Unicoi, Greene, Johnson and the eastern end of Sullivan Counties in Northeast Tennessee. A network of 35 different
congregations and their volunteers provide food, over night shelter and compassion to homeless families. During the day, families are transported to the Day Center where they work on their goals and objectives with case managers and other volunteers. The Family Resource Center, located next to the Day Center, provides labs for working on goals, life-skill programs, counseling and many other services brought in from other providers in the community.
Karen Olson, Founder and President, Family Promise
As a marketing executive, Karen Olson developed promotion campaigns for consumer products. She never anticipated that her life would be changed through an unexpected encounter with a homeless woman in 1982. This incident began an effort that has now touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of homeless and low-income families across the country. Through Karen's leadership, a vast network of volunteers has been created - and is still growing - that connects people in need with those who want to help. The organization Karen began in 1986 in her home state of New Jersey has expanded to 39 states and now involves more than 120,000 volunteers and 5,000 congregations of all religious faiths. It is recognized nationally for its innovative and effective work in mobilizing volunteers.
