Room In The Inn
When Hospitality Transforms Hearts
At St. Bartholomew, our Mission & Outreach (M&O) ministry understands that sometimes the most sacred moments happen when we simply open our doors and our hearts. That spirit of radical hospitality is at the very foundation of our partnership with Room In The Inn, a ministry that began in 1985 with nothing more than peanut butter and jelly sandwiches offered by priest Charles Strobel to those gathered outside his East Nashville church. St. B's was one of the original twelve congregations to join this movement in 1986, and for nearly four decades, we've opened our doors every Saturday night during winter, proving that true transformation happens when community becomes family.
A Legacy of Open Doors
What started with simple sandwiches has grown into a remarkable network of nearly 200 congregations across Middle Tennessee, each taking turns to provide overnight shelter, warm meals, and genuine fellowship during the coldest months of November through March. Each winter, over 7,000 volunteers step forward to serve, creating a movement of hospitality that has provided more than 15,000 beds in recent seasons.
Room In The Inn is more than an emergency shelter. Their downtown campus at 705 Drexel Street offers year-round support, including showers, laundry, healthcare, case management, education, employment training, and transitional housing. But at its heart, this ministry remains rooted in the revolutionary idea that everyone deserves a warm welcome and a place to belong.
This is Romans 12:13 in action: "Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality."
Why This Matters to Us
Room In The Inn operates on a beautiful truth: this ministry is not about giving, but about receiving. Everyone who participates—both guests and hosts—receives a blessing, an encounter with God amid suffering and hope. The model has become so powerful that it has been replicated in 36 other cities, from Calgary to Charlotte.
Room In The Inn's Impact:
Nearly 200 congregations are participating in the winter shelter program (including St.B’s)
Over 7,000 volunteers mobilized each winter season
Year-round campus services provide comprehensive support
Educational programs, job training, and permanent housing assistance
A 40-year legacy of hospitality that has transformed countless lives
How St. B's Members Can Get Involved
Saturday Night Hosting
Join Our Team: St. B's hosts Room In The Inn guests every Saturday night during winter months (November-March)
Volunteer Roles: Help with setup, meal preparation, overnight hosting, and morning cleanup
Family Ministry: Opportunities for families to serve together and build relationships with guests
Downtown Campus Volunteering
Orientation Required: Attend 45-minute volunteer orientation at 705 Drexel Street
Various Opportunities: Support day center operations, education programs, and campus services
Contact: volunteer@roomintheinn.org for current opportunities and orientation dates
Financial Partnership
Direct donations support essential services, supplies, and programming. In-kind donations can be dropped off at 705 Drexel Street or through their Amazon wishlist.
See Their Work in Action
Click the video below to learn more about how Room In The Inn is transforming Nashville through the radical hospitality of nearly 200 congregations working together.
