Since 1986, the Interreligious Fellowship has played a pivotal role in serving thousands of Bergen County's most vulnerable citizens — homeless, hungry and needy families and individuals.

Our Mission: To alleviate the plight of the homeless and hungry through organization and mobilization of appropriate human, economic and civic resources.

Programs and How to Get Involved:

Advocacy

Advocacy bolsters every direct service that the IRF provides. In addition to giving shelter and food, the IRF relies on its members to encourage their government representatives to “alleviate the plight of needy people” by creating and amending laws that will improve the conditions under which they live. The Legislative Network will send “action alerts” about pending legislation affecting the homeless to its membership, promoting the idea that every volunteer is a potential connection to his/her legislator.

Overflow Shelter Program

A 38-bed shelter for adults is operated year round by Bergen County Community Action Program (CAP) in Hackensack. Single adults unable to be accommodated here may be able to enter the Overflow Shelter Program (OSP), operated by the IRF. In conjunction with CAP, the OSP provides shelter for up to 20 adults December through March and up to 10 the remainder of the year. Training is provided for new congregations. CAP provides:  screening of clients  transportation to and from congregations  cots (participants bring their own bedding) Participating congregations provide  commitment of one night a week for a one or two month period (or more!)  sleep space  an evening meal, breakfast and a packed lunch for each guest  cooks and hosts for the evening  two overnight volunteers

Walk-In Dinner Program

Begun as a pilot effort in 1991, this program schedules a congregation or organization every day of the year to provide, prepare and serve dinner to approximately 120 people at the Bergen County Community Action Program’s Orchard Street facility in Hackensack. Although many of the guests have a place to live, their limited incomes don’t stretch to cover dinner every night. Some are “street people” who may decide after a few good meals in a friendly atmosphere to trust the “system” enough to look into additional services provided at the same location. Special meals are served on some holidays.

Emergency Family Shelter-"Fellowship House"

Since April 1988, Fellowship House has provided overnight shelter for working parents with dependent children under 18. It is located in the former St. Cecelia’s High School in Englewood. The shelter operates from 5 PM to 7:30 AM weekdays and 5 PM to 12:30 PM on weekends and some holidays. The shelter is staffed by congregations of all denominations who provide all the meals, (bag lunches are given out in the morning) and chaperones who spend the night. Five or six volunteers are needed for cooking and chaperoning nightly. The residents of Fellowship House must be working at least part-time and must make an effort to improve their earning capacity with the help of a professional Family Case Manager employed by the Interreligious Fellowship. There is no time limit for staying at Fellowship House as long as all the rules are observed. Residents are required to pay one-third of their adjusted income as “rent,” which encourages responsible financial management. These funds are deposited into a savings account and are returned when the family leaves the program. Presently, families with dependent children are among the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. The average length of time that a family resides at the family shelter is on the increase due to the lack of affordable housing in Bergen County.

Break the Cycle Scholarship

Financial assistance is provided to individuals who are pursuing advanced education or vocational training and exhibit a personal commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty. Adults and high school seniors who are currently residing in Fellowship House or the New Leaf Transitional Apartments are eligible, as are former residents of the programs. The scholarship can be applied toward tuition, books and supplies, computer training, licensing courses or other type of skills training that will enhance or increase career opportunities.

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