Room at the Inn clients help themselves to a delicious meal prepared by the Young Friends of Room at the Inn.

The Young Friends of Room at the Inn board held its first service project of the year, serving clients dinner and volunteering for an overnight stay at the shelter Saturday, June 21.

Approximately 15 volunteers helped prepare meals, played with young clients, and stayed over night tending to the clients needs.

Typically, Room at the Inn clients spend the night at one of the shelter’s night site partners, made up of approximately 60 interfaith congregations throughout the St. Louis area.

“With this event, we wanted our young friends group to experience shelter life,” said Catie Myers, Young Friends of Room board member. “We also wanted other young professionals who are not part of Young Friends of Room to come check out our program and the wonderful mission of the shelter.”

Lori Coachman, one of the attendees, had no previous knowledge of Room at the Inn, but saw the opportunity for Saturday’s event featured on T.V.

“I love to volunteer for different organizations and I loved how easy it was to get involved with this event,” Coachman said. “I had a great time playing with the kids.”

Myers said Saturday’s event also helped break stereotypes.

“It gives people a different perspective about what it means to volunteer with the homeless,” Myers said. “Some people out there are scared or do not know if they could handle volunteering at a homeless shelter, but once they are here, they realize it is much easier and a lot of fun. It was great to see this group of volunteers living the mission.”

Interested in joining the Young Friends of Room at the Inn or volunteering at the shelter? Contact Chris Hotard at chotard@roomstl.org or call at (314) 209-9198.

Catie Myers, Young Friends of Room board member, and a young client enjoy the shelter’s playground together.