Southern Magnolias & Room in the Inn:

Open Arms, Southern Hospitality, and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. 

Here in the South, we admire the great Southern Magnolia trees almost as much as we do Rosa Parks or Eudora Welty. So when we say we’re dedicating our Southern Magnolia candle to Room in the Inn, we mean these are folks who are *really* going above and beyond to care for our neighbors and love Tennessee. 

Back in 1986, Father Charles Strobel started Room in the Inn as a project to support folks experiencing homelessness in Nashville, TN. Since its small beginnings in a church parking lot, Room in the Inn has grown to now support thousands each year with emergency services, transitional programs, food and hygiene resources, and long term solutions to help folks rebuild their lives. 

Group of people standing and smiling outside a building, with one person seated in a wheelchair in the front. The atmosphere reflects community and support, representing the work of Room In The Inn in Nashville.

When the creek rises, Room in the Inn has been there with open arms and Southern hospitality. Because they’ve taken the time to care for our neighbors, thousands have received support. Last year alone,  dozens, if not hundreds, of neighbors found permanent housing solutions, gained meaningful employment, or furthered their education. 

“Terry couldn’t wait to get his apartment set up. Within 5 minutes of unlocking the door for the first time, he asked his support coordinator Beth to help him make his bed. All of the apartments are Room In The Inn are fully furnished. Once the new resident moves in, they are able to exhale and then start making the apartment their own!” 

Room in the Inn offers one of the widest range of programs to support immediate and long term needs. The good people there are busy helping neighbors get: daily meals, education and workforce development, telephone and computer access, shower services, secure storage, transportation services, food stamp assistance, laundry, mail, foot clinics, legal clinics, haircuts, housing assistance, classes for creative teaching, Bible studies, employment support groups, drug & alcohol recovery, one on one tutoring, winter sheltering—WHEW! (and the list goes on!)

To honor the love and care shown by Room in the Inn, we’ve created our “Southern Magnolia” candle. The magnolia, with its stunning white blooms and timeless beauty, is a symbol of hospitality and resilience. It’s the perfect symbol for an organization that embodies the best of what it means to be a Tennessean—opening hearts and homes to those in need.

With every purchase of the “Southern Magnolia” candle, a portion of the proceeds will be donated directly to Room in the Inn, supporting their mission of providing care, shelter, and hope to our neighbors in need.

“Room In The Inn is not about giving; it is about receiving. It is about everyone, both guests and hosts, receiving a blessing—an encounter with God in the midst of suffering, hardship, pain and grief.” 

-Charles Strobel, founding director

Sources:
Photo provided by Room In The Inn
Room in the Inn 2023 Winter Newsletter

https://www.roomintheinn.org/

https://www.roomintheinn.org/share-a-prayer

©Nectarine Studio LLC

Southern Magnolia candle by Highland Rim Candle Co. nestled among magnolia leaves outdoors, capturing the essence of Tennessee's iconic magnolia flower.

With every Southern Magnolia Candle sold, $1 is donated to Room In The Inn, helping provide shelter and hope to those in need. Light the way for a brighter tomorrow.

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