My Nonprofit Reviews
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Review for Northwest Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network Inc, Philidelphia, PA, USA
I worked as a volunteer with the NPIHN during my second year of seminary at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia and I have led mission trips with my youth to work in the city with this organization. Working with the staff at NPIHN I have learned so much about the needs of homeless and low income families in the Philadelphia area and what it take to offer them support and hope, while still helping them maintain their dignity. This network is so special for many reasons, however I don't think this box is big enough to name the all, so I'll stick to the that have moved me the most. One is that NPIHN takes care of the whole family and addresses both the immediate needs of the guest, as well as helping them build long term goals to improve their lives. They help people learn money management skills, get job training, obtain education, and gain access to the resources they need to avoid becoming homeless again in the future. They also work with the children in the program to help them deal with the stress and embarrassment that often comes from being homeless. They help get kids re-enrolled in school and provide different therapy options to help give kids a more stable lifestyle. I also have to praise NPIHN for not just looking to alleviate the immediate suffering caused by homelessness, but for also addressing the root causes of it by advocating for fair housing practices, improved low income housing, and other important legislation that helps prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place. Finally as a pastor, I have to commend that they do all this while working with the many wonderful faith communities in the Germantown area. It is not easy to do any of the things I have mentioned above, however to do them and unit people of different faith backgrounds together around the common goal of caring for those most vulnerable in our society is truly special. I really can't say enough good things about this organization, it's leadership, and it's program. I'm proud to have been a part of it, and proud to help it in any way I can.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Hearing the news that families that were in the program when I was there are doing well, as well as hearing the impact that working with and witnessing this program has had on the youth and adults I took on mission trips. I also know that I personally have grown in my understanding of poverty in America and the challenges of be homeless in our society.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
That it be larger, at present they can only support a small number of families and it would be wonderful to see this program expand so it could do more.
