Find Shelter

WELCOME TO ROOM IN THE INN

Experiencing homelessness in Memphis? Find nightly shelter with Room In the Inn. This program is seasonal overnight shelter for families with children and individuals. Overnight shelter is provided by volunteers in local faith communities. Guidelines for the program are listed below in the Hospitality Covenant.

HOW OUR NIGHTLY SHELTER WORKS

Room in the Inn is always free. This program is seasonal.
Space is limited. There are no vouchers. Shelter cannot be guaranteed in advance due to space limitations. 

We operate seven nights a week in the winter from November 1 – March 31.
We have smaller capacity and operate on fewer nights during the summer from May 1 – September 30.
Priority for available spaces goes to families with children followed by single women.

Guest registration and nightly shelter procedures happen every day shelter is available from 4:00-5:00pm at First Presbyterian Church, 166 Poplar Avenue. There are no Room in the Inn or shelter services available at First Presbyterian before 4pm or after 5pm and never walk-up shelter availability at Room in the Inn host locations.

All guests must register with Room in the Inn each season to be eligible for shelter. 

Guests are divided into smaller groups and transported to host locations for the evening, receive a meal and a safe place to sleep and are transported back downtown by 7am the following morning.

WHAT TO EXPECT AS A ROOM IN THE INN GUEST

HOSPITALITY COVENANT 

BUILDING COMMUNITY ON LOVE AND RESPECT
Respect includes language and actions, respect for yourself, others, and property. Each location will share specific rules when you arrive. 

WELCOMING ALL AS AN EXPRESSION OF FAITH
Welcoming all means everybody. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation and give priority to those most vulnerable. All shelter locations are run by volunteers eager to welcome you as you are. 

GIVING HOPE & HOSPITALITY IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT
A maximum of 15 guests go to each congregation to provide a safe and welcoming environment. Only registered guests assigned to the group are approved for that location. Approved guests must remain with the group until returning to Room in the Inn the next morning. Weapons, drugs, and alcohol are prohibited as well as any violent words or actions, which will result in immediate dismissal from the program.  All guests can expect to be a part of a safe and welcoming environment.