It should surprise no one who knows him that as Charles Strobel approached the podium – to address the CBL audience at the March breakfast meeting – he was greeted with a standing ovation before he even began speaking.
But this small gesture speaks volumes about how all in the Catholic community, and in Nashville in general, feel about Charles. He is a selfless man who has spent his entire life serving others in his hometown, and at 75 years old, he hasn’t slowed down one tick.
A native Nashvillian and a 1961 graduate of Father Ryan High School, Charles was raised by caring and strong willed parents. His mother Mary Catherine was the first female employee of the Nashville Fire Department.
While serving as a priest as a young adult, Charles quickly noticed a pervasive problem that was affecting Nashville – homelessness. As the city began to grow in the 1980s, the cost of living and home and rental prices increased, homelessness began to soar. This was coupled by the crack epidemic that was sweeping the nation during this time, and Nashville was not immune to the lethal effects it was having on urban areas.
“No one wants to be homeless,” said Charles as he addressed the packed house. “It’s caused by a combination of factors, starting often times with mental illness and/or addiction, but is ultimately exacerbated because those who fall deepest into the trenches of homelessness do not have family or a support system who help them before it gets worse.”
Room In The Inn began in the winter of 1985 when Charles opened the doors of his parish to individuals seeking sanctuary in the church parking lot. Before long, momentum was building behind Room In The Inn, and by the end of 1987, 31 congregations were participating in the program.
As more parties got involved, an element of community began forming, one where the volunteers and those seeking food and shelter were conversing and dining together. “Many times when I walk in, I can’t tell who is volunteering and who is coming in search of refuge,” says Charles. “It’s truly a community where everyone is looking out for and loving everyone else.”
Now more than 30 years in the making, Room In The Inn has continued to grow in Nashville and expand its reach. After a downtown campus was opened in 1995, a 45,000 square foot facility was opened in 2010, which enables Room In The Inn to provide so much more than just food and shelter, but also programs that emphasize health, education, employment, and housing.
The service and dedication of Charles has changed countless lives, most of whom for individuals he will never know. His impact is immeasurable; his compassion contagious.
