St. Felicitas Interfaith Hospitality Network

Coordinators: Stan Davisson, Jeanne Ebner, Cindy Gates
Rectory, 216-289-0770

Volunteering for the Interfaith Hospitality Network points up the answer to the question:
" Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you " ? Matthew 25: 37 & 38. In verse 40, Jesus said: " I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these followers of Mine, you did it for me ".

The Interfaith Hospitality Network of Cleveland is an ecumenical network of over 40 parishes, churches, temples and synagogues dedicated to helping homeless families in the community. Families are offered assistance in finding permanent, affordable housing. During the time they are homeless, families are hosted by the member congregations.

Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Cleveland

St. Felicitas hosts one week each summer in our parish school and works with our friends at Temple Emanu El in University Heights to host 2-3 additional weeks yearly.

A typical evening has families arriving by Network van at 5:30 PM, having dinner prepared by the volunteers, spending the evening as a family would, staying overnight and departing at 7:00 AM, (8:00 AM on weekends). Volunteers eat dinner with our guests and interact as much or as little as the guests want. We especially enjoy the little children we come to know for a brief time.

During the day, adult guests may jobs or job training or spend the day at the Network headquarters, Christ Presbyterian Church in Shaker Heights or Pilgrim Family Center in Tremont. Children are kept in the schools they attended before entering the Network.

Before being accepted into the Network, guest families are screened by professional social workers. IHN is an alcohol free and drug free environment.

Volunteers are needed to cook, host dinner, evenings and over night and at breakfast. Volunteers are always needed to help with set-up and take-down, laundry, weekend van drivers and many other things. If you have a desire to personally serve your less fortunate brothers and sisters, IHN may be right for you. You can volunteer with little or no financial investment. Children and teen volunteers find the program to be a real eye opener. It is always a "count your blessings" experience! Volunteer opportunities can take as little as two hours of your time.


Please volunteer by calling the Rectory at the number above.
If you cannot volunteer at this time, please pray for the homeless families that they may find homes quickly.