History
1984:
The Capital Area Council of Churches and volunteers founded Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless (IPH).
1985:
Professional staff was hired and 24-hour shelter service began.
1986:
IPH moved to 26 South Swan Street.
1988:
The clothing pantry opened to serve clients and community members.
1990:
IPH created the Homelessness Intervention Program (HIP) and hired a program director to oversee it. IPH began offering internships to Social Work students from SUNY Albany.
1992:
IPH initiated a Health and Wellness Program in conjunction with the Albany County Department of Health. Albany Medical Center’s Family Practice would join the Health and Wellness Program the following year.
1996:
IPH launched Making Career Connections MCC a community-based employment program.
1999:
The Homeless Experiential Life Program (HELP) was created to facilitate client-staff communication and to offer opportunities for guests to practice life skills and self-exploration through group counseling, art therapy, and educational and recreational outings.
2000:
IPH began its Permanent Housing Program, in collaboration with Homeless and Travelers Aid Society, for clients of all shelters in the city of Albany. The program also provides case management and vocational skills training.
A part-time evening social worker was hired to facilitate the HELP program and to perform case management duties for clients who work during the day.
2002:
Once again, at a time of rising homelessness, IPH responded to the need. The shelter received permission from the state to increase its bed capacity from the standard 19 to 25. A state grant was obtained for IPH to buy and renovate the new facility at 176 Sheridan Ave.
2004:
Interfaith moved into its new shelter facility at 176 Sheridan Avenue. Four full-time shelter attendant positions and a full time evening Case Management Activities Coordinator were added.
2005:
Interfaith begins the year with a new Executive Director, Janine Robitaille.
As part of a strategic plan for the future site of the Sheridan Avenue Project, Interfaith purchased 4 homes and 1 empty lot at 167, 169, 171, 173 and 177 Sheridan Avenue.
2006:
In direct response to Albany County’s Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness, the Sheridan Hollow Drop-In Center opens at 26 South Swan Street. The Drop-In Center is funded by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Emergency Shelter Grant and provides an array of services to chronically homeless, at risk individuals and families and low income people in the community. The new center staff positions include a program director, case manager and 2 attendants.
Demolition begins as we prepare for the construction of the Sheridan Avenue Project.
First annual Taste of Albany held to benefit Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless.
To address medical needs of clients, Interfaith increased capacity from 25 beds to 30.
2007:
Albany County donated a parcel of land located at 165 Sheridan Avenue to support the Sheridan Hollow Project.
NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance through Homeless Housing Assistance Program awarded Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless Funds to construct 10 Units of Affordable Housing for the Sheridan Avenue Project.
2008:
Interfaith Partnership for the Housing received funds from Albany County Housing Trust Fund to assist with construction costs at the Sheridan Avenue Project.
2009:
Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless Celebrates 25th Anniversary.