A Community Response to Poverty and Homelessness
Born from a desire to better serve those in need, the Hospitality Center was founded in January 1992 by a collaborative effort of 24 Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish congregations. Recognizing the limitations of responding at individual doorsteps, these faith-based groups came together to offer a more comprehensive and centralized solution.
Today, the Center remains firmly rooted in the support of these congregations and their members. Importantly, it operates entirely on the generosity of private donations, without government funding.
Becoming a Foundational Congregation
Congregations can play a vital role in supporting the Center’s mission by becoming “Foundational Congregations.” This designation comes with five key commitments:
- Prayer and Support: Regularly praying for those experiencing homelessness and poverty, as well as for the Center’s ongoing work.
- Center Advocate: Assigning a dedicated member to represent the congregation and serve as a liaison with the Center.
- Financial Commitment: Providing a minimum monthly contribution of $100 to support the Center’s operations.
In addition to these core requirements, congregations can choose two additional ways to engage from the following list:
- Spreading Awareness: Sharing the Center’s mission with their congregation through regular worship services (Mission Moment).
- Direct Support: Organizing donation drives (“Yellow Bags”) to collect essential items needed by the Center’s clients.
- Leadership Engagement: Facilitating visits to the Center by clergy (Pastor/Priest/Rabbi) or congregational leaders.
- Building Relationships: Inviting a Center representative to speak with a congregational group.
- Material Donations: Organizing collections of specific items requested by the Center.
- Event Participation: Hosting a Center representative at a congregational event.
- Board Representation: Nominating a congregational member to serve on the Center’s Board of Directors.
By working together, congregations can make a significant impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness and poverty in the community.
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If you and your congregation are interested in becoming a Foundational Congregation, please contact the Executive Director at [email protected] or 610-277-1321 x 101.
