Room in the Inn is a program that provides shelter, health and wellness information, and educational opportunities for those in need. It is a non-profit organization that works in collaboration with more than 190 congregations throughout the Mid-South. The organization is run by a centralized office located at the Urban Ministry Center in Memphis, Tennessee. During the winter months, the organization offers a temporary home to an average of 12 to 15 homeless individuals. Several local church congregations have joined the nonprofit fold as host sites for the colder months.
In a pinch, the organization also offers job training programs and transitional housing. There is a short list of cities in which the organization operates. However, the largest number of participants reside in the Memphis, Tennessee area. To better serve its constituents, the organization has a network of over 50 partner agencies that offer their expertise and resources to the organization’s clients. This includes such diverse organizations as the Salvation Army, the Urban Mission Church and the Community Development Corporation. Lastly, the organization is also supported by numerous donations, which include food, clothing, and monetary contributions. Moreover, the organization has a staff of volunteers to ensure that no one falls through the cracks.
One of the larger undertakings of the organization is its ability to provide shelter to the homeless and their families. Currently, the organization operates two shelters, a small and a medium-sized facility. For the latter, the organization has a rotating list of guests that are housed in one of its many local churches. Aside from providing a warm place to sleep, the organization’s occupants are also provided with nutritious food, health and wellness information, and other vital services. As for the smaller shelter, the organization works to improve the quality of life for its guests by implementing several programs such as a “Community Support Plan,” which provides basic toiletries and a laundry service, as well as a monthly dinner and movie event.
Other notable programs are the Warming Shelter Program and the ACTS program, both of which aim to improve the quality of life for its residents by bringing together a variety of community partners to address the needs of the homeless. These programs are designed to provide assistance in the areas of health, safety, and education in order to help those in need reclaim their lives. Unlike other programs, these efforts are not funded by government money, but rather by the generosity of donors.