Interfaith Hospitality Network celibrates 20 years of helping homeless families in Cincinnati

The Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Cincinnati is celebrating its 20th year of helping homeless families find permanent housing.

Wednesday, three families who otherwise wouldn't have a place to stay will spend the night at Christ Cathedral Church downtown.

Ronald Smith and Carol Davis along with their three children, have been homeless for about five years, staying with friends, relatives, in motels, and even in shelters when there were no other options.

Carol Davis said, "It can happen. I never thought it would happen to me, I never did. I never thought I would be in a shelter, I never thought that, to see me and my kids in a shelter."

The family qualified for the Interfaith Hospitality Network's program, and is grateful for all the support they've been getting.

Ronald Smith said, "It really actually touches me, because, right now, I didn't think that I would get the help that I needed.

The family of five has been in the program for a month, spending the night in a different church every week. In all, 27 local churches of various faiths participate in the program.

During the day, the adults spend time working on their problems with counselors and take classes in budgeting, parenting, and life skills.

Carol Davis said, "Honestly, I didn't know how to budget, and that was part of my problem of being homeless."

After a month in the program, Carol and Ronald have been given the opportunity to move into a place of their own.

Carol Davis said, "They'll pay our rent for a year and our Cinergy for a year, so to help us try to get back on our feet."

Carol will use that year to find a job and help her family become more self-sufficient. The family says the experience has helped them get back on track.

Ronald Smith said, "The program is great, it's for people that really need help."

Carol Davis said, "For the people that's out there that need to find shelter, that's homeless with kids, you need to call St. Michaels. They really are a good program, they really are."

Those interested in the program can call the Interfaith Hospitality Network at (513) 471-1100.