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JACKSON, Tenn. — Dec. 2, 2014 — The turf of Union’s Fesmire Field House, normally littered with cleats and baseballs, was swept clear except for cots and sleeping bags. The smell of chili simmering in crock pots wafted through the air, joined by the buzz of laughter and conversation that wove the group gathered there together.

The field house, typically used by athletes preparing to compete, served a very different purpose recently. Approximately 14 homeless men were welcomed by student volunteers Nov. 18 as part of Area Relief Ministry’s “Room in the Inn” program. Each man received dinner, a place to sleep and a bag with overnight essentials.

“This program means a lot. It really helps a person get back on their feet,” said Cedric Pound, who participated for the first time.

The program is a collaborative effort among approximately 50 local churches and organizations to provide a warm bed and hot meal to homeless men in Jackson. Union hosts a group once a month, and Social Work Reaches Out coordinates the effort.

Much planning and preparation goes into the night, as volunteers are needed to bring food, stay overnight and simply fellowship with the men. A different campus organization helps out each month, and Residence Life took a turn providing food and volunteers for the first evening.

“I’ll start planning for next month as soon as the night’s over,” said Elizabeth Neal, off-campus coordinator for Social Work Reaches Out and a junior social work major. “It’s worth it, even for one night. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but the Lord just provides and humbles me, and I’m very thankful for that.”

Neal isn’t the only one thankful for providence.

“I don’t know where I’d be sleeping if it weren’t for this,” Leo Sanders said. “It’s a good program. It keeps a lot of people off the streets.”

Sanders, a five-year resident of Jackson, worked at a car parts factory until two months ago.

“I came in late one too many times, but I’ll find another job,” he said. “I just need some time. These things happen.”

Like Sanders, every man who comes has a story. Listening to them is one of Neal’s favorite parts of the night.

“I love hearing their stories,” she said. “You get to know these guys, and sometimes they don’t come back. It’s hard, but it brings joy to my heart, because I know that means they’re back on their feet.”

In addition to supporting men like Sanders who find themselves unexpectedly in need, Room in the Inn also gives men a fresh start.

For instance, Christopher Gallo moved to Jackson from Miami a few weeks ago to be closer to his kids, ages 4 and 2. Because the program provides some of his basic needs, he is able to put money from his part-time job toward taking emergency medical technician training classes so he can better provide for his family.

“I just want my kids back, that’s the only reason I came here,” he said. “I’m just waiting for my case worker to pick me up and take me to them Friday. They don’t know I’m here yet, and I’m excited to see them.”

The students who volunteer appreciate the program as much as the men its helps. Josh Edgren, a junior physics major, has spent the night with the men twice and said he sees serving as a small way to address injustice.

“There are only a few opportunities you get to do something that really costs you very little but provides a needed service. [Room in the Inn] is one of those rare intersections,” he said. “There’s more injustice in the world than I could possibly ever fix, but I can give myself and my time.”

In the future, Neal hopes to raise awareness about the program and see even more students become involved.

“We need servant hearts and willingness,” she said.

For more information about the program, contact Neal at elizabeth.neal@my.uu.edu.