"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me..."

Interfaith Emergency Services was started by a group of local pastors who were trying to answer the calling of Matthew 25:35, to care for those less fortunate. As the need grew they decided to pull their resources and create one central place where they could send people to have basic needs met and Interfaith was born. Since then, this 38 year old local charity has grown to provide a wide range of services to as many as 14,000 families each year. Interfaith exists to provide the most basic necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, hygiene items and medications to those who otherwise would go without. We now have a Homeless Services Team that works with the chronically homeless providing case-management and access to basic human needs with the goal of housing for every individual. We serve all ages, all races and all genders without judgement and utilize a large volunteer work-force, so that 94 cents from every dollar goes to direct services. Our daily goal is to serve each person with the compassion and dedication that we would if it were Jesus in need of help.

We provide services through the following ministries:

>> Food Assistance - 3 food pantries, meeting needs throughout Marion County

>> Food 4 Kids Backpack feeding program; weekend meals for children at risk of hunger

>> Homeless Shelter for women, children & families

>> Prescription Medication Assistance Program

>> Free Clothing Boutique

>> Homeless Services Team works with the chronically homeless providing case-management and access to basic human needs with the goal of housing for every individual.

>> Advocacy for individuals experiencing homelessness

>> Work boots to help people get good paying jobs

>> Permanent Supportive Housing for individuals who have intellectual disabilities

>> Showers for those without shelter

>> Mental Health counseling for those that cannot afford treatment

>> Emergency assistance for items such as a Marion County Identification Card (needed to access all other assistance including food stamps), hygiene items (soap, toilet paper, etc), gas cards for out of county medical appointments (Shands and cancer treatment), and 'reader' eye glasses.

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