Charlie Strobel stands so tall among homeless advocates and champions of the poor that to many of us, he is the guru of compassion and kindness in a world of indifference. He's done more for those experiencing poverty and homelessness than most entire agencies do over a lifetime.....
Room in the Inn grows as need rises
By Harriet Vaughan • THE TENNESSEAN • May 19, 2009
William Miles, 47, leads a riches to rags life.
The once big-time dope dealer went from the top of the game to the bottom of society after becoming hooked on his own product. Marijuana, crack and alcohol became his vices.
After 30 years of drug use, failed relationships and the death of his mother, two brothers and an unborn child in one year, he says he's tired, fed up and ready for a new life.
He credits Nashville's homeless centers for that, particularly Room in the Inn human development center, where he's currently seeking help.
"The more I kept coming to Room in the Inn, the more I wanted to get cleaned up," Miles said.
He said the friendly and welcoming environment has encouraged him to do better in life. The determined and quietly intelligent man is halfway through the center's three-month alcohol and drug recovery program.
Miles is counted among the 300 to 400 people who seek help from the center daily, according to the Rev. Charles Strobel, founding director of the center.
Because the need is growing, soon the center will, as well. Thursday morning, Room in the Inn will break ground on a new five-story Day Center that will include 38 affordable housing apartments, 13 classrooms and 11 beds for those recovering from illnesses or injuries.
The $11 million project will add close to 45,000 square feet to the 20,000-square-foot facility. The additional space also means the expansion of currently offered services such as employment classes, an on-site Human Services office, showers and laundry facility, free public telephones and a legal clinic.
"This is a Third-World area in a First-World city," said Strobel, pointing to the area immediately behind the existing building where the Day Center will go.
"What that means is that we'll be able to create a path for a person to make the journey home, by going from living on the streets to securing permanent homes, all by guidance and support of our Room in the Inn community."
The group is asking churches and individuals to sponsor an apartment for $50,000.
That includes the build-out of the apartment, built-in furniture, linens and other materials needed to complete the apartment.
Contact Harriet Vaughan at 615-259-8048 or hvaughan@tennessean.com.
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