At the congregation, volunteers greet the family and help them settle in their private sleeping area. Then volunteers and guests dine together in a family setting. Evening activities for children may include homework, crafts, tutoring, or games. Adults may plan their next day’s search for work or housing, reading to their children, talking with volunteers, or just relaxing.

Volunteers prepare breakfast the next morning, and everyone again eats together. Families travel to the day center in the IHN van, where guests shower and prepare for school and jobs. At the day center, which is supervised by the IHN director and staff, children play in a safe and secure setting. Adults pursue their housing and employment searches, often with help from volunteers.

At the end of the day, the IHN van takes families back to the host congregation.

After a week’s stay with the first host congregation, volunteers help families move to another host congregation. Seven weeks is a family’s average length of stay in an IHN. Over 80 percent of guest families secure permanent or transitional housing before leaving the IHN.

Often the relationship between a family and the IHN continues after their stay. The IHN door is always open for families seeking advice and support. Many guests return as volunteers and mentors, helping to create true community of hospitality.