Join IHN

The Interfaith Hospitality Network of Washtenaw County (IHN) at Alpha House is a shelter serving families experiencing homelessness in Washtenaw County. (Read about our history). We are a grass-roots organization completely supported by volunteers. In the course of a year, 2,000 volunteers will come through our doors to assist approximately 40 families, including 120 parents and children, in need of shelter. More than providing just a bed and a roof for families in crisis, our goal at IHN at Alpha House is to assist these families in securing and maintaining their own home. Our staff and volunteers provide social, emotional, educational, and financial guidance and support as families transition into their own home.

We are proud of our program and the success it has brought. In addition, we are proud of our community for making this happen! Truly, it is the community of support that forms the Interfaith Hospitality Network. However, there is still a lot of work to be done. With an average of 25 families on our waiting list at any given time and with some host weeks still open, we need your help too!

While individuals and families can provide great support for the families of Alpha House (Read about Volunteer Opportunities), it is the Host and Support Congregations and Organizations that form the network known as IHN. Members of this network of diverse congregations and community organizations take turns providing the support needed to keep Alpha House open by “adopting” Alpha House for a short period of time throughout the year. Groups can adopt Alpha House for just a couple days per year, or for as much as four weeks per year. (Read about Congregations Volunteering)

Adopting or hosting at Alpha House can mean several things including filling volunteer shifts each day, providing meals, and/or donating needed supplies. Most importantly, however, hosting at Alpha House means bringing a tangible touch of hospitality, love and support to families who are experiencing the crisis of homelessness in our community.

If you are interested in learning about what it means to be a Host or Support Congregation or Organization, please contact IHN Volunteer Coordinator, Lindy Gill, lgill@alphahouse-ihn.org or call Alpha House at 734-822-0220. We would love to talk with you about how your congregation or organization can join the vibrant Interfaith Hospitality Network family!