Interfaith Housing Coalition

5612 Ross Ave.
Dallas, Texas 75206
214.827.7220
www.interfaithhousingcoalition.org

Executive Director: Linda Hall, 214.827.7220x102, lhall.ihc@sbcglobal.net

Director of Development: Cathy King, 214.827.7220x105, cathyking.ihc@sbcglobal.net

Mission
Though several emergency shelters exist in Dallas County, Interfaith Housing Coalition aims for a more intensive and permanent solution to homelessness. IHC’s purpose is not merely to mitigate circumstances, but to empower people to change their lives.

Services
IHC provide furnished apartments, a structured employment program, and training in employment readiness/retention, budgeting and life skills. Their children's program offers after-school care, tutoring, a full-day summer program, and evening classes while parents attend training sessions. In addition, on-site psychological and pastoral counseling is available for both adults and children.

Volunteer Opportunities

Long Term

• Budget/Employment Co-Partners: Working in teams of two, Employment Co-Partners mentor residents each week with emphases on employment goals, job readiness skills and productive work habits. Budget Co-Partners monitor all resident income and expenses, working to establish enough savings to fund and maintain permanent housing upon program completion. Commitment: Tuesday or Thursday evenings, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
• Children's Co-Partner: Using an established curriculum, volunteers participate with resident children in lessons and activities that promote human, spiritual and communication development. Commitment: Monday, Tuesday or Thursday evenings, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
• Children's Summer Program: Assist Interfaith staff with Summer Program for school-aged children. This structured program includes field trips, arts and crafts, and reading and writing development. Commitment: anytime Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m.
• GED Tutor: Work one-on-one with residents and former residents to identify and improve scholastics, with ultimate goal of assisting individuals to pass GED. Curriculum and materials are provided by Interfaith Housing Coalition. Commitment: 2 hours weekly.
• Host Family: Volunteers and their families serve as support for resident families. Initially, a Host Family will prepare an apartment (clean, stock pantry, make beds, prepare a meal and provide personal touches). A Host family also plans regular visits or outings and sends notes of encouragement during resident's stay. This is also an ideal volunteer project for volunteer groups. Commitment: Flexible, may be (1) a one-year commitment, preparing the same apartment for approximately four families throughout the year or (2) a one-time project.
• Living Skills Advisor: Volunteers provide training in parenting, time management, comparative shopping, nutrition/menu planning, hygiene and stress management. Volunteers follow a prepared curriculum or professional facilitators lead classes. Commitment: Monday evening, 7:00-9:00 p.m. and planning time.
• Office Assistant: Assist Interfaith office staff with answering phone and other clerical duties. Commitment: Flexible hours to be determined by volunteer.

Short Term

• Children's After-school Tutor: Provide individualized tutoring for school-aged children. Commitment: anytime Monday-Thursday, 3:00-6:00 p.m.

In-Kind Donations

• Furniture
• Kitchenware
• Linens, pillows and towels
• Household supplies and toiletries
• Home decorative items
• Dental, medical and legal services
• Computer technician services
• Job leads for full-time permanent positions

To learn more or to get involved at Interfaith Housing Coalition, contact Jennifer Tankersley at 214.523.2269.