IFC Shelter for Men and Women “When you did it to these my brothers you were doing it to me.” (Matt 25:40)

Chair or Contact Person
Jane Hathaway, jhathaway1@nc.rr.com, 919.405.2111 and
Kathie Kearns, kkearnss@bellsouth.net, 919.932.9705

Mission Statement/Purpose
To assist the InterFaith Council for Social Services by providing trained volunteers to serve as receptionists and staff assistants at the Community House Men's Shelter on Rosemary Street and receptionists at the HomeStart Women and Children’s shelter in Chapel Hill.

Major Accomplishments

Major Activity
Receptionists answer the telephone and take messages for guests and staff, distribute mail, answer questions concerning resident's rules and responsibilities, and maintain a presence at the front desk, allowing staff to work in other parts of the building. Men volunteers assist the Night Manager on the second floor with checking in guests for sleeping space, accessing private lockers, and distributing personal care items. We provide receptionists on Tuesdays in 3-hour shifts starting at 9AM and ending at 9PM at the Women’s shelter.

Meeting Frequency
There is no meeting associated with this ministry. All scheduling is done via Email. Training is accomplished by working with experienced volunteers and attending an orientation session at the IFC Main Office held once a month. Volunteers average one Tuesday evening shift per month; the receptionists work 6:00pm to 9:00pm and the staff assistants arrive at 7:30PM and work till 9:00pm at the men’s shelter. Receptionists at the women’s shelter volunteer for a 3-hour shift starting at 9AM with the last shift ending at 9PM one Tuesday per month minimum.

Meeting Venue
The IFC Men's Shelter is located at 100 W. Rosemary Street, Chapel Hill. Immediate plans are to expand this ministry to provide volunteers at the Women's Shelter on Homestead Rd.

Estimated Time Commitment for Volunteers
Monthly commitments average 3 hours for the receptionist position and 1½ hours for the staff assistant.

Special Skills
Compassion for those less fortunate.