At our family shelter, we will accept mothers with substance abuse issues, but if mothers are actively using substances, they need a more intensive drug treatment program. Our family program operates slightly differently than our other programs in regards to substance abuse, because an actively using mother puts the children at very high risk. Also, if a formerly problematic resident demonstrates that there has been a change in their behavior or situation, we will consider taking them back into our program.

I also wanted to clarify that the family shelter is just one service that the Interfaith Council provides. There is also a men’s shelter, a women’s shelter, the community kitchen, and a community services program that includes a food pantry and financial assistance to low-income families living in the community.

In our more recent conversation, I want to make sure to make it clear that I was only talking about how our family shelter operates. The other parts of IFC have different guidelines and processes, so to comment on those programs, you would have to speak with the supervisors of those programs. Also, for more detailed and accurate information about our funding sources and our involvement with the CIEH and the Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness, please speak with the staff I referred you to in our conversation.

Thanks so much, and good luck!

Megan Clarke