Caroline Eddy, a Kiwanian and executive director of the Coalition for Human Care in Southern Pines, introduced guest speakers Mary Nethercutt, development manager, and Susan Bellew, executive director, of the Sandhills Interfaith Hospitality Network (SIHN), at the Aug. 2 luncheon of the Kiwanis Club of the Sandhills.

Nethercutt kicked off the discussion by describing the mission and activities of the SIHN, a nonprofit agency dedicated to alleviating homelessness of families in Moore country.

She explained that assistance is provided through a network of participating host and support congregations, who open the doors of their facilities for one week, four to five times per year, to homeless families.

Under the direction of the SIHN, they provide breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as transportation to and from the Day Center. Congregation volunteers stay with the families through their time at the facility to provide support and ensure that their stay proceeds smoothly.

Bellew embellished the discussion by providing real-life stories and successes of some of the many families that the Sandhills Interfaith Hospitality Network has assisted.

Since January 2000, the SIHN has provided assistance to over 85 families in Moore County. In closing, the guest speakers stressed the importance of its volunteers in making the SIHN program a success.