ROOM AT THE INN

CRC has made a commitment to provide shelter the 4th Sunday of the month, beginning September 26, 2010. 

Overview of Program 

Room at the Inn is a community-based program providing emergency shelter for women and families in partnership with more than 50 interfaith congregations and organizations.  Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1993, Room at the Inn provides a comprehensive program of support to women and families struggling with homelessness with compassion and dignity.  It accounts for 16% of the beds available to homeless women and families. Room at the Inn is a non-sectarian, non-discriminatory, 501(c)(3) agency, a member of the St. Louis County Homeless Service Providers Network, and an entry point to the St. Louis County Continuum of Care. Its goal is to provide safe, clean shelter and meals for women and families, and to help them regain self-sufficiency and prevent future episodes of homelessness. Room at the Inn serves up to 20 people daily, about half of whom are children.  It has a unique model, operating with a single day site and more than 50 night sites.  During the day, Room at the Inn provides services to participants.  In the evenings, two hosting congregations create a welcoming night-site environment. Partner congregations represent different faith traditions and a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds.

Roles and Responsibilities 

Room at the Inn will provide: 

• Case management, to help clients identify and correct the root-cause issues for their homelessnessPhysical and mental health evaluationsEvaluations and counseling for substance abuse, domestic violence and psychiatric issuesGoal setting assistance, referrals, transportation to appointments, and follow-upLife-skill classes including financial management, parenting, job skillsShowers, laundry and kitchen facilitiesTelephone, computer and Internet access
• Housing placement assistance

CRC will provide: 

Shelter and meals for up to 10 individuals (adults and children) once a month on the 4th Sunday of the month:

• Transportation (pick-up and return to Room at the Inn)
• Hospitality and fellowship
• Sleeping arrangements, including bedding
• Dinner and breakfast

 We Need YOUR Support:

Please become an “Innkeeper”

Volunteer 

Volunteer for a shift at the “Inn.”  Look for the sign-up sheet outside the CRC sanctuary or contact Rabbi Randy at randy@centralreform.org to sign up.

Donate Money  

We need approximately $1,200 for a “start up” fund to purchase foam mattresses, etc.  In addition, we will need on-going funds to purchase items that are not donated and support on-going program needs. Please send donations to the “Room at the Inn” fund at CRC. 

Make “In-kind” Contributions 

We are creating an inventory of items that members are willing to donate.  Please call or e-mail the contacts below to let us know what you want to donate.  DO NOT bring anything to CRC yet; we have no place to store it.  We will set a drop off date closer to our September start date. Pillows must be new; all other items can be very gently used.  Please do not donate items that you would not wish to use yourself. 

• Pillows (12-15)  NEW
• Zippered Pillow covers (12-15)
• Blankets (20-30)
• Hand towels and washcloths (12-15 each)
• Mattress pads (12-15)
• Games, puzzles, stuffed animals, children’s books and movies on DVD (all ages)

Please call or email one of us if you have anything to donate. When e-mailing or leaving a message, please specify what you can donate and the number of items (e.g., 3 pillow covers; two towels, etc.):

We will arrange for a collection site at CRC or pick-up at a later date.

Thank you for your support of this exciting new project at CRC!