As the days grow colder and each night gets darker earlier, those without homes find themselves searching for any shelter they can find.
A volunteer-run rotating winter shelter, dubbed Room in the Inn Berea, will be open today through March 15. In order for one to be eligible for shelter, guests must register nightly at the intake location at 412 Chestnut St., Berea, between 5 and 6 p.m. According to the Richmond Register this will be the only registration time available in order to be eligible for shelter that night.
"This has truly been a grassroots collaborative movement of concerned Bereans," Barb Anspach, a founding member of RITI Berea, said. "I am so excited to be opening Room in the Inn this week. A lot of hard work on the part of a dedicated group of volunteer organizers has brought this about. Churches and community members have come together to provide a safe, warm, dry place to sleep -- such a basic simple need. Berea has truly stepped up, and I'm proud of all of us."
RITI Berea has partnered with local churches and congregations, community organizations and individuals to host the inns in their facilities on a rotating basis. More than 50 volunteers have been trained to provide critical support. The effort has involved the business sector also, with local businesses donating supplies or agreeing to donate meals.
But the work doesn't stop there. RITI Berea is still seeking congregations or organizations to serve as inns and volunteers for all aspects. Interested persons can contact RITI Berea at 919-525-RITI (7484) or at riti.berea@gmail.com to learn more.
