Southbridge is a local chapter of the National Interfaith Hospitality Network, which has received a Presidential Points of Light Award. Created in 2001, this network of 13 churches in rural central Massachusetts, with only one employee and hundreds of volunteers, has already provided food, shelter, clothing, advocacy, counseling, and moral support to over 600 individuals. Guests are referred by charities and assigned to a congregation; structured daily schedules ensure that kids go to school and parents go to intensive case-management sessions or jobs; at 5:00 p.m., the families reunite at the host churches for dinner and rest. Volunteers provide meals, child care, help with homework – whatever they can. The Director advocates and coordinates, ensuring that the children are welcomed by schools, and the adults get the services they need. During the average 8 weeks it takes to find housing, guests set aside 75% of what they earn for future needs. Benefits are mutual – by opening their hearts, homes, and churches, philanthropic instincts on both sides are awakened. “Philanthropy is contagious!” they say – host families gain new understanding of the issue and the people, and former guests often reciprocate by becoming volunteers and even donors themselves. Everyone works hard, and they can use your help.