IHN of Athens: Background image - Photo montage of families and children

About IHN of Athens

IHN of Athens is part of the national Family Promise organization, which grew out of the original Interfaith Hospitality Network founded by Karen Olson in New York City in 1986. Olson recognized that homelessness is more than merely houselessness, but also the profound loss of family, friends and the support systems that connect a person to a stable life.

Within 10 months, nine churches and one synagogue came forward to provide hospitality space within their buildings, thus launching the first network. By 1989, the National Interfaith Hospitality Network was formed with the mission of spreading this community-driven model to all parts of the country so people of faith could work together to help homeless families.

This successful anti-poverty program came to Athens as IHN of Athens opened its doors in October 2004. Since then and through February 2007, we have assisted more than 40 families, provided more than 5,000 bed nights to individuals in need and seen more than 75 percent of our guests move into permanent housing.