Media Policy

The agency supports the fundamental belief that every individual and family that comes to The INN for assistance should be treated with dignity and respect. In line with our mission to feed those who are hungry in safe, clean, caring environments with no questions asked we believe anyone who uses our services are our guests. Consistent with that belief, media exposure of guests in our soup kitchens and emergency shelters is prohibited. This includes taking photos, interviewing and using the real names of our guests in any printed, visual or other material.

We have taken this position because:

1. We remain optimistic that individuals and families will be able to turn their lives around and they should have the opportunity without additional attention from the media.
2. Our guests are dependent on The INN for many of their daily needs. As a result they may feel a sense of obligation to The INN to talk to the media in exchange for services they receive from The INN.
3. Some of our guests may have found refuge from an abusive or harmful situation and could be harmed by media exposure.

We understand that some of our guests may welcome the opportunity to speak to the media or be televised and, as long as this does not occur on INN property, they are free to make that decision. We have been approached by the media to interview individuals who have gone through our programs. On occasion, there are individuals who have successfully used The INN’s services and are now independent and about to leave The INN. We may consider asking these individuals, on a case by case basis, to speak to the media about their experience if they feel comfortable.

For media or press inquries please contact
Cynthia Sucich, Director of Communications
at (516) 486-8506 ext.115 or
csucich@the-inn.org