H.O.M.E. of Somerset County HOME of Somerset County, Inc. (formerly Interfaith Hospitality Network of Somerset County NJ -- IHNSC) is a private non-profit agency serving homeless families with children through a continuum of care approach to services. Incorporated in 1992, the agency had its roots as an Emergency Shelter with a commitment to provide a permanent solution to homelessness.

HOME is composed of several church communities which have banded together to follow Jesus’ command to shelter the homeless. St. Bernard is one of the member churches. Temporarily displaced families in Somerset County are referred to the HOME (formerly IHN). They are then given shelter for up to eight weeks, one week in each of the participating local churches. A different participant in the network also gives these families assistance in finding employment and a new place to live.

To learn more about H.O.M.E., visit the H.O.M.E. of Somerset County website.

H.O.M.E. can also be found on FACEBOOK listed as “HOME of Somerset County Inc”.

After a long hiatus due to the pandemic, the ministry leaders of HOME (formerly the Interfaith Hospitality Network or IHN) are re-organizing and planning for the return of guests on-site starting this spring.

St. Bernard Church has been a member congregation of HOME since its inception almost 30 years ago. For more information about HOME, please visit https://homescnj.org.
 

When our guests are here, we will need the following volunteers:
 

COOKS. Volunteers will drop off a portion of the meal by 6 p.m. every evening. We also occasionally need people who enjoy baking. Sign ups for providing meals will most likely utilize an online platform such as   Sign-Up Genius.

EVENING HOSTS who will volunteer from 5-9 p.m. Evening hosts help set up for dinner, receive the food, help with cleanup and storage of leftovers, and provide companionship to our guests as needed. Two evening hosts are needed each night.

OVERNIGHT HOSTS who will arrive by 9 p.m. and stay until early morning. We are required to have two volunteers on site at all times. This role is VITAL to the overall success of the program. Bring your pillow and bedding, a good book, and spend the night. A rollaway bed is provided.

All evening and overnight hosts need to be VIRTUS certified by the diocese. If you need to take the VIRTUS class, please plan on attending an upcoming session here at St. Bernard.

Many people now work virtually. Perhaps this means that you are able to give back to your community in ways you were not able prior to the pandemic. St. Bernard is in need of NEW VOLUNTEERS. Please consider sharing your time with HOME this year! Visit https://homescnj.org for additional information about HOME.

 
For more information or to volunteer, please call or text:

Tracy Liston 908-655-8427 or email tracy.lynn.liston@gmail.com
Cynthia O’Connor 908-752-5345 or email croconnor@gmail.com
Dottie Driscoll 908-403-4846 or email dotdriscoll1959@gmail.com