DMIHN Celebrates 5-Year Anniversary

Five years has passed since the Des Moines Area Interfaith Hospitality Network (DMIHN) started hosting homeless families in area churches. While the number of families served has remained steady since the beginning, many key events have transpired to make the network the vital organization that it is today.

The following timeline is a recap of some of the key events that have occurred in the life of the organization:

• 2002-2004 – A Board is formed and network development activities begin
• August 2004 – Kelsey Parker, the first DMIHN director, is hired
• October 2004 – The first guests are hosted by the Grimes United Methodist Church
• Fall 2005 – The Day Center is relocated to Westminster Presbyterian Church, saving the network approximately $15,000 per year
• October 2006 – Jim Cain is hired as director and Cassie Johnson, becomes the first former guest to become an employee in a network
• January 2008 – The first case manager for the Des Moines Network is hired
• 2009 -  The average stay for a family increases to 55 days due to economic conditions and the challenges of finding permanent employment

Undoubtedly, the DMIHN experience has touched the lives of many guests and volunteers and positively impacted many congregations during the five years of active hosting. But here’s a few statistics that demonstrate a true community response to homelessness:

• Guests served: 190 adults and 246 children; 105 of the children under the age of 5
• Nights lodging: 14,388
• Meals served: 43,044
• Volunteer hours: 50,188

While the current plan calls for maintaining a single network of 15 churches to share the weekly hosting duties, work will continue on several strategic initiatives including:

• Increasing the case worker position to full time in order to the expand an “aftercare” program that supports former guests by providing educational opportunities and ensuring they have the necessary tools and resources to find or maintain employment
• Expansion of the Board of Directors up to 12 members
• Building stronger relationships with individual and corporate donors