History
In 1993 as the homeless population in Durham began to include growing numbers of families, a group of people from several churches met to consider how the broader faith community might respond. After reflecting on the situation, the Interfaith Hospitality Network model, that was established in New Jersey in 1986 was chosen as a proven, relatively low cost way to meet the emergency needs of families. DIHN began official operation on January 9, 1994 using houses of worship for overnight shelter, the generosity of congregation members for meals and transportation, and existing social services and programs for resource and referral. Since 1994, DIHN has provided more than 31,000 nights of shelter and over 93,000 meals to approximately 215 families through the love and compassion of over 30 congregations.
The national model, Family Promise, originally Interfaith Hospitality Network, which began over twenty years ago has now inspired the opening of 136 affiliates in 39 states, using the services of more than 120,000 volunteers and 5,000 congregations, and providing shelter, meals, housing and job placement support to more than 31,000 homeless family members annually.