Our History

The Interfaith Homeless Outreach Council (IHOC) was established in 1991 to provide critical services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Over time, IHOC’s primary focus has become helping homeless men gain stability, become self-supporting, and transition into permanent housing. This mission has been carried out through a variety of programs, most notably our longstanding Transitional Housing Program.
For many years, the cornerstone of our work was the Homeless Hospitality Network, an innovative and deeply collaborative effort that brought together Camden County congregations to host and support unhoused men.

Each year, 12 men were housed in a rotating series of churches and synagogues, receiving meals, companionship, and case management as they worked toward income and housing stability. Our network was a powerful expression of community in action, mobilizing hundreds of volunteers across faith traditions. While the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic put a pause on this program, its legacy continues to inform our work and inspire our approach to transitional care.

IHOC’s Transitional Housing Program, first launched in 1994, has remained a consistent source of hope and progress. We bagan operating out of the Dambly House in Lawnside, which was graciously rented to us for $1 per year by the Church of the Annunciation. The program gave IHOC “graduates” a stable living environment with wraparound support for up to a year. When the original property was sold in 2017, the program found a new home in Cherry Hill, thanks to the generosity of St. Michael’s Lutheran Church. To this day, our house on Chapel Avenue provides transitional housing and case management to three men at a time, offering a vital next step toward independence.

In addition to our housing efforts, IHOC continues to support the broader community through annual outreach initiatives. Our Adopt-A-Box campaign delivers hygiene kits to area shelters, while Pack-A-Sack provides backpacks filled with school supplies for children in need. These programs allow volunteers and supporters of all ages to make a tangible difference in the lives of those facing homelessness.

Recognizing the growing need for transitional housing in Camden County, made even more evident in the wake of COVID, IHOC took a bold step toward expansion. In 2024, we acquired a second property in Haddon Heights, now known as Serenity House. This $1.4 million endeavor represents a major leap of faith for our organization, but one we embrace wholeheartedly. Once fully operational, Serenity House will provide safe, structured housing for up to nine men, further expanding our capacity to offer meaningful, lasting support.

IHOC remains stalwart in our mission, and inspired by the generosity of those who make this work possible. With programs rooted in accountability, compassion, and community, we’re committed to building a future where everyone has a place to call home.