More than 130 people, including board members, volunteers and local residents, gathered to celebrate the achievements of the Inter-Faith Council for Social Services on Wednesday.
The 2012 IFC annual meeting and potluck was held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chapel Hill.
“There are lots of NGOs like us that are having a tremendously tough time, but we’re able to get through the tough climate,” said Herb Paul, IFC board president.
At the meeting, board members presented information about the council’s programs, which include the Community House mens shelter, food distribution and financial assistance for rent and utilities.
Outreach Committee member Jane Hathaway was awarded the Mildred Berkley Award for outstanding volunteer service.
During the past year, the council has focused on planning a new transitional homeless shelter, which will help homeless men reintegrate into society.
The new shelter will replace the current Community House, which opened in 1985 as an emergency shelter program for homeless individuals.
The plan to build a new Community House at 1315 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard has sparked concern from residents who are concerned about the impact the house will have on their neighborhood.
Despite the opposition, IFC volunteers and board members agree that the original house is too crowded, and the relocation would give homeless men room to grow.
“We are in the business of building lives,” said Judy Klimcheck, residential services director of IFC. “We need space for people who are so willing to volunteer and help displaced individuals.”
Community House provided 17,757 nights of safe lodging for 386 men during the 2010-2011 fiscal year.
“We can’t talk about homelessness without talking about poverty and hunger,” said Chris Moran, director of IFC. “We can’t feed the world, but we can feed one person at a time.”
The IFC has raise $2 million for its programs thus far, but still need $3.62 million for the Community House construction.
Construction on Community House — which is expected to cost $5.6 million — will start by Spring 2013 and is expected to open by 2015, Moran said.
Robin Gurlitz, a Chapel Hill resident, said she thinks IFC plays an important role in providing community service.
“It’s progressing well, and people are persistent and careful,” she said.
Shannon Gigliotti, client service representative for the council, said she supports the work IFC is doing.
“It’s great to look at our common vision and assess our progress,” she said. “IFC is important to our community because everyone needs a safety net.”
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