Area Relief Ministries’ Room in the Inn program starts again as colder months approach

JACKSON, Tenn. — Without a men’s shelter in the Hub City, one life-saving program has bridged that gap for more than 15 years.

The program is put on by Area Relief Ministries and they’re asking local churches to assist in that initiative.

From November through April, Room in the Inn will be open, offering hot food, warm beds and fellowship during the winter months for local men who are homeless.

“Those months are very crucial, they’re cold. We don’t want anybody to be on the streets, so it’s very important for us to be able to provide some type of means of shelter for those that are less fortunate and don’t have any place to go,” said Fred McKinnie, executive director for Area Relief Ministries.

For 18 years,the program has been a partnership between Area Relief Ministries and local churches.

ARM coordinates the program, providing training, learning resources and basic essentials such as sheets, blankets, towels, pillows and cots.

ARM is asking local congregations to participate by opening their doors from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. as a place for shelter, and also offer dinner and a light breakfast for the men.

McKinnie says volunteer opportunities are not limited to congregations alone. Organizations, civic groups and businesses can play a part.

“Just give us a call and we can tell you those nights that we need someone. They can come alongside of us and they’ll see this is a great opportunity to get to know the homeless in our community better. The fellowship is a great part. A lot or our men don’t get that feeling of being appreciated or being a part of a community,” said McKinnie.

If you’d like to assist in this effort or know someone who could benefit from this resource, contact Area Relief Ministries at 731-423-9257 or click here.

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