Room in the Inn

Queens University of Charlotte is privileged to partner with Roof Above to host neighbors and guests in Belk Chapel during the colder months of the spring semester. The Room in the Inn experience allows the Queens community to come together to provide shelter, food, and hospitality to neighbors and guests from Roof Above. This service opportunity is offered one overnight evening/morning per week and is a valuable way for the Queens community to live our motto, “not to be served, but to serve.”

What is Room in the Inn?

From the Charlotte Community of Mindfulness website Room in the Inn is described as, “A program run by Roof Above that combats homelessness in Charlotte. Colleges and Congregations of many faiths open their facilities to provide shelter and food for homeless people during the winter months of December to March. Offering a warm and safe place to sleep, the program offers a unique way for people of faith to become directly involved with individuals who are homeless. The basic goal is to keep homeless people from freezing on cold winter nights. A greater goal is to provide a more personal relationship to homeless people, at least for a night, and to foster a deeper understanding of the depth and complexity of the issue.”

What is Our Role?

Our role at Queens is to be a hosting site once a week for the first three months of the spring semester. From January until March we host six neighbors in the Belk Chapel for a hot meal and a safe place to sleep. With student and faculty volunteers, we set up the Chapel with beds and toiletries for guests to feel comfortable during their stay. Student volunteers sit with guests while they enjoy dinner and get to know each other through conversations around the table.

Looking Towards 2024

We are looking for volunteers! Typically, we will have several different shifts for students and staff to sign up for. These include set-up, dinner, evening, overnight, and early morning. Additionally, we have laundry that must be done before the next week.

More information and registration coming soon!

More Information

For more information about the program or how to volunteer, please contact Adrian Bird (birda@queens.edu) or Room in the Inn student coordinator, Katie Pittman (pittmank@queens.edu).