The purpose of the Interfaith Ministry is to provide meals and shelter for three to five families (up to 14 people) who find themselves temporarily homeless. Through a cooperative, outreach with the Interfaith Council of Morris County Hillside Lutheran Brethren Church serves as a host church. Each host church in the network provides for the group of homeless guests on a rotating schedule. Hillside pledges two weeks per year to provide for the needs of these homeless people.

While our guests are staying at Hillside, they may use the kitchen, all-purpose room, Sunday school lounge, shower facilities, and laundry room. We depend on the Lord to provide approximately 50 or more willing volunteers to maintain our service for our guests for the week. Before our guests arrive, volunteers convert unused Sunday school rooms into sleeping areas, one room for each family. Volunteers provide the evening meal and fellowship with our guests during dinner. Movies and gym toys are available for the children to use after dinner. Evening shift volunteers also provide companionship and homework help if needed for the children. Should any need arise during the night, two volunteers who sleep overnight each night are available. Guests are responsible for helping to cleanup after dinner, and prepare their lunches for the next day. We have a cleaning person to prepare the kitchen and bathrooms for daily church activities.

Anyone interested in volunteering to help with this ministry can contact a committee member or call the church office. Committee Members are Marty Burgher, Michelle Iannicelli, Hildi Libby, Birger Nyquist, and Janet Jacobsen.