Interfaith Shelter Network

The Interfaith Shelter Network (ISN) involves county-wide church congregations of all denominations in a rotational shelter program. Providing long-term temporary housing for employed and employable single adults who remain clean and sober, ISN guests are sent to congregations in the Network after being screened by an area social service agency. Once approved to enter the INS program, guests must be willing to work closely with the referring social service agency to resolve the problems leading to their homelessness. This program supports the whole person by helping participants regain financial independence and save money, develop job-finding skills, and provides opportunities for vital emotional and spiritual development.

Congregations host the program for two to three weeks at a time, usually once or twice a year. The hosting congregation provides shelter, meals, and spiritual support, and further benefits by becoming acquainted with their homeless guests and their individual life stories. Less than twelve guests at a time generally stay, and at the end of two weeks, the whole operation – cots and all – will rotate to another area church.

Brea Congregational UCC is proud of our 20 year association with the Interfaith Shelter Network. Through our regular hosting commitment, our members have come to meet, know and understand many remarkable adults who have used this unique program to get their lives back on track. For ideas on how you can help, please click here.