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January

The LUBBOCK INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK (LIHN) is one of our lesser-known volunteer stations, but it makes a big impact on the lives of homeless families here in Lubbock. LIHN provides a temporary, safe place for homeless families with children to live as the adults get back on their feet. When accepted into the LIHN program, the adults work with a case manager to become independent with a stable place to live.

LIHN has been serving homeless families since 1998. Low income wage earners typically have no reserve in case of illness, job loss, divorce and other life crises. If evicted from their homes, they have no resources to fall back on. Family break-ups leave many single mothers unable to support their children alone. Nearly 80% of the families are headed by single mothers and, during the last seven years, 310 homeless children averaging 7 years of age were provided a safe living environment.

The two words, Interfaith Hospitality, really describe the essence of the agency because 27 local church congregations collaborate to provide temporary housing for these families. Volunteers through each church support the families by preparing meals and providing companionship on a rotating basis. Funding comes from donations, caring community members, church fund-raisers and grants. Anyone who is interested in helping with the fundraising aspect would also be a welcome volunteer member of the team. In addition to temporary housing, the Interfaith Hospitality Network maintains a Family Center where a case manager works with the adults to assist them in getting a GED (if needed), a job, parenting instruction, and individualized budgeting sessions. The center also furnishes child care, transportation to work and school and from the Family Center to the host church each day. To date, 78% of the families who enter the program successfully obtain their own housing, become independent, productive citizens, and provide a better future for their children.

The Lubbock Interfaith Hospitality Network office would particularly appreciate a volunteer who would come to the office on Monday mornings from 9:00 until noon to answer the phone, help clients fill out information, greet visitors, etc. If you believe in helping those who are trying so hard to help themselves, think about volunteering a little of your time to help out in their office. Should you already be working with LIHN through your church, please let us know so that we can record the hours you donate to this valuable service. For more information, give the RSVP office a call, 742-2423.

OTHER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

WOMEN’S PROTECTIVE SERVICES will have its semi-annual volunteer training in late January. If you are interested in the plight of battered women, the training will focus on understanding domestic violence, how to be a an active listener and learning to be a good advocate. The training is FREE and food is provided during the sessions. Sessions will be held in the evenings and on Saturday— January 24 and 26 from 6-9 p.m. and January 28 from 9-2. at the First Christian Church Family Life Center, 2306 13th St. This would be a great opportunity to receive valuable training and help those who are trying very hard to remove themselves from a bad situation.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY, 2910 Avenue N, would appreciate some office help Mondays or Tuesdays, morning or afternoon according to the demands of your schedule. Mainly, you would just answer the phone and help out with simple office business, such as greeting visitors and assist new clients with the application process.

To volunteer, or for more information about these or other volunteer positions, please call the RSVP office at 742-2423.

HOW do I join RSVP?
Becoming a member of RSVP is simple as long as you are at least 55 and have some time to volunteer. Just call the office at 742-2423 and chat with Ronda Casey or Bonne Phillips about your interests. If you are not certain what you would like to do, we can mention several current volunteer opportunities and send you a list of the sort of jobs which RSVP members are presently doing to whet your appetite. If you have a special skill or talent that you would like to utilize, we will search to find just the right job for you. Just mail in the enrollment form (requires Adobe Reader) and we will call you!