Programs
Emergency Shelter Program
Through a network of 32 local congregations, DIHN utilizes existing facilities and volunteers to house three families at a time for a maximum of three months. Guests stay at the host congregations facilities from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Each family receives a private room with individual beds, linens, and towels; evening and morning meals and lunch supplies for the following day; transportation between the host site and the day center; and friendship and support of congregation volunteers.
The hub of DIHN operations occurs at the day center, where staff offices are located and where guests have a base of operations during the day. The day center, a historic home in Old North Durham, is open every day from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for guests to have access to showers, laundry facilities, storage area for their belongings, a large living room, a kitchen and dining area, a playroom for small children, computers in an office for guest use, and case management services to help families build the foundation necessary to obtain and maintain permanent, stable housing.
After Care Support Program
DIHN offers case management and other services, to former IHN guests for up to one year after leaving the program. The IHN case manager spends and estimated 30% of her time working with families who have graduated from the Network. Services can include referrals, assistance with employment searches, help obtaining furnishings, and help obtaining food.