What is I-HELP?
We’re the Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program—operated by Outreach Unlimited, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in the Monterey Bay, California area.
We've been in continuous operation for the past 32 years.
Our three main purposes are to:
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offer homeless men and women short-term lodging and evening meals on a nightly basis during their stay in the program
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provide tailored advice and support in finding a job or going forward in other areas of their life
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help each participant develop and maintain a positive outlook and living pattern that fosters personal autonomy and growth
I-HELP is run by a volunteer board of directors and small part-time staff, with the indispensable collaboration of over 60 Monterey-area churches and other faith communities and service organizations that provide overnight accommodation, warm meals, and person-to-person support. Our participants sleep on mats in a shared space. We provided the equivalent of 8013 beds nights (2023).
FUNDING
Our administrative costs are only 2% of our total budget with the all the money received going to directly to the program.
1. Transportation cost to host locations, showers, and laundry:
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driver reimbursement
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gasoline
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maintenance of aging vans
2. Part-time staff who:
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stay with participants 24x7
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help participants plan and move forward with finding a job, housing, or other goals
I-HELP Brochure by Expenses (2024)
Proclamation of 31 years of Service by Mary Adam's Office
Monterey County Point in Time Count 2024
I-HELP Board 2024
Karen Araujo, Lee Hulquist Rosemarie Axton, Ruth Ann Flowers, Marissa Kobylenski, Tom Chapman, Jan Mason, and Anthony Finnegan (not pictured)