Room at the Inn Shelter will provide a warm and safe place to sleep during the period January 1 through February 28, 2013, adjusted as weather dictates, between the hours of 7:00 pm and 7:00 am.
History
Room at the Inn began as an overnight cold-weather shelter in 2010, with Missouri United Methodist and Calvary Episcopal churches partnering to provide space, funding and volunteers for a month. In 2011 Missouri United Methodist Church offered space for two months, and a number of local faith groups and individuals provided funding and volunteers.
In 2012 a small group of volunteers organized a coalition of nine faith groups and numerous individuals to hold a two-month shelter in a vacant, donated commercial building. Escrowed funds remaining from 2011 covered the costs, and generous in-kind donations provided other important resources; the city of Columbia also provided significant support and assistance.
Planning for 2013 began in mid-2012, including conversations that led to CIRC adopting Room at the Inn as a permanent program, eligible for tax-deductible contributions. A dedicated core group have identified this year’s location, Wilkes Boulevard United Methodist Church, and developed volunteer-training resources. And nearly 75% of our estimated expenses of $10,500 has already been secured!