About Us
Our Mission: “…Joining hands to reduce homelessness.”
Interfaith Outreach of Carmel (IOC) is an organization of faith communities dedicated to extending a helping hand of service and reducing homelessness within Monterey County emphasizing grants to agencies that provide housing. By being outreach leaders within out community we aid in creating solutions, stimulating public awareness, and raising funds to provide grants to fulfill our mission.
Our mission is accomplished by:
Working with sponsoring faith community clergy, for their advice and support,
Providing a forum for communication among faith communities engaged in outreach,
Promoting outreach efforts that serve the community, and
Raising money through our Joining Hands Benefit Shop to provide grants to agencies that assist with housing needs in Monterey County.
Since 2010
Grants totaling $825,555 have been given to agencies that provide housing services in Monterey County. 100% of the net proceeds from Joining Hands Benefit Shop are distributed as grants.
An annual general meeting is held to learn about activities of sponsoring faith communities and other organizations whose missions coincide with that of IOC.
An annual IOC Community Celebration of Gratitude (formerly known as the “Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Service”) has been held since 2009, although 2020’s event was virtual. 2023’s Celebration of Gratitude was held Sunday, November 19, at Carmel Mission Basilica. The Carmel Mission Basilica Schola Cantorum and The Monterey Peninsula Gospel Community Choir were featured along with poems and short talks by three faith community leaders and three 2022 grant recipients. It was fabulous!! Volunteers held a Coffee/Tea, Dessert Reception afterwards. Everyone was welcome to the free event.
“...joining hands to reduce homelessness”
Interested in joining the IOC Board? Click below for more information
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
-Helen Keller