Homeless Ministry Program Resources Sheet

Church-based Program Models

Bridge of Hope: Bridge of Hope offers a replicable, church-based model for congregations that wish to help a homeless woman and her children transition out of homelessness to self-sufficiency. 
      -Visit the website
      -Order a free Informational Kit by calling toll-free to (866) 670-HOPE. The Kit includes a video, book, brochures and the first affiliate development book. 
     -Obtain "Getting Started" Materials.  

Interfaith Hospitality Network A multi-church model for reaching out to homeless families in the community. 
      -Order the "Introduction to IHN" booklet.
      -Read a mini-profile on the Lubbock Interfaith Hospitality Network
     -Order Someplace like Home, a short story of how one homeless family found help and support through IHN.    

Additional Tools for Church Leaders

1. My Thirty Days Under the Overpass: is a unique devotional booklet by Mike Yankowski, author of Under the Overpass (the firsthand account of Mike, and his friend Sam's, voluntary life on the streets for 5 months).

Recommended Books for Church Leaders

1. What Every Church Member Should Know About Poverty: by Bill Ehlig and Ruby Payne. As congregations with predominantly middle-class members increase outreach to lower-income families, miscommunications and misunderstandings based on cultural differences can occur. Payne and Ehlig's book describes the "hidden rules" among the poor, middle-class, and wealthy, identifying key differences that can cause confusion.

2. For a perspective on homelessness from a political conservative, try The Dispossessed: Homelessness in America by George Grant.  

3. For a perspective on homelessness from a political liberal, try Reinvesting in America: The Grassroots Movements That Are Feeding the Hungry, Housing the Homeless and Putting Americans Back To Workby Robin Garr.

Training Opportunities for Church Leaders

Bridge of Hope offers on-site training for churches starting up a Bridge of Hope program and also brings in your church's project leader for training at the Bridge of Hope national HQ. They also sponsor various conference and seminars. 

Family Promise sponsors an annual national conference for church leaders operating, or desiring to start, an Interfaith Hospitality Network in their city. 

Mission Waco Poverty Simulation is a weekend event where registered student groups experience first hand what it means to live in poverty. This is a poignant way for leaders to teach students the bitter realities of poverty as well as share God's heart and compassion for the poor.