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Recognizing and honoring the Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network for their ongoing and compassionate efforts in providing shelter and support to homeless families on the occasion of their 17th Annual Empty Bowl Dinner to be held Wednesday, November 18, 2015.
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WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network (PIHN) is a shelter, supportive services, and housing program for Philadelphia working families experiencing homelessness. They are a growing cooperative effort of 56 churches and synagogues, 10 universities, two seminaries, and over 2,000 volunteers of diverse faith groups, working together to provide a safe, family-centered atmosphere for homeless families. In addition to providing temporary shelter, PIHN offers long-term transitional and post-shelter supportive services, affordable housing opportunities in mixed-income neighborhoods, and educational opportunities for children and teens; and
WHEREAS, Since their inception in 1991, PIHN has moved 325 families-910 individuals- from homelessness to stability. It has also grown their network further with the expansion of the network into Northeast Philadelphia in 2012; and
WHEREAS, PIHN offers a safe and child-friendly alternative to more chaotic public shelter settings, allowing families to remain intact. Because they are small, they can accommodate intact couples, single father households, adolescent boys, as well as single women with children. PINH strongly emphasizes taking a holistic approach to rebuilding from homelessness. The residents, who are referred to as "guests" call it "the shelter that's more like a home"; and
WHEREAS, Held right before Thanksgiving at the start of the winter holiday season, a time when people reflect on their good fortune and the needs of others, PIHN's Empty Bowl Dinner raises awareness about family hunger and homelessness. At the start of their meal, diners choose a hand-made bowl, donated by local students or professional potte...
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