“Growing Home” is the new name for homeless prevention charity long known among north area residents as the Adams County Interfaith Hospitality Network.
Since 1998, the Adams County Interfaith Hospitality Network ( ADCO IHN) has been addressing the housing needs of the most vulnerable families in the north metro area. The idea is simple enough, use church basements, classrooms and meeting spaces to house homeless families during the week when the space is not typically used by the congregation. The idea has caught on.
Over the last six years Growing Home has grown from a small shelter network into an organization which links thirteen churches and one hospital as host sites and draws volunteers and support from fifteen other churches and Regis University . Families typically stay over night at the host site for a week at a time. Volunteers from the host or supporting churches provide meals. Each week, early Sunday morning, the families move from one church to the next. This temporary living arrangement keeps the family together, and in their area of town - close to school, jobs, friends and other family members. A stay in the shelter network can be for a short as a few days or as long as few weeks.
During the day, the children are in school or are participating in activities sponsored by donations from community attractions. Tutoring and supervised play is also provided at the Growing Home center located at 3489 West 72nd Avenue in Westminster . The center also provides a place for parents to have telephone and computer access for their housing or job search. Last year Growing Home’s services - the Interfaith Family Shelter, the Homeless Prevention Program and the Children & Youth Programs – provided information, counseling, food, personal hygiene products and shelter to over 1300 households.
Ms. Teva Sienicki, Executive Director, states that the new name and logo reflects the Board of Directors realization that their client base is not limited to Adams County . In addition the new name “Growing Home” is much easier for guests and clients to remember and use. Most importantly, the idea of “growing homes”, “better captures the spirit of what we do for and with the community.”
For more information on the programs, how you can volunteer, or how you or your organization can make in-kind or financial gifts, please contact Growing Home at 303-426-0430 .