The Interfaith Hospitality Network is the primary program of Family Promise which began with one woman, Karen Olson, and her encounter with the homeless.

Mrs. Olson learned that in her home community of Union County, NJ, there were hundreds of homeless people, including many families.

She looked to the religious community for help, convinced there were many who shared her concern. She believed that they could do together what each couldn’t do alone.

Within ten months, 11 area congregations came forward to provide hospitality space within their buildings. The local YMCA agreed to provide showers & a day center for families. A car dealer discounted a van.

On October 27, 1986, the first Interfaith Hospitality Network opened its doors. By 1989, National Interfaith Hospitality Network, (now Family Promise) was formed to assist other congregations in developing similar programs in their communities.