NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Nashville native, longtime Catholic priest and founder of Room In The Inn Charles Strobel has died at the age of 80.
On Sunday, Nashville Mayor John Cooper joined in the mourning of Strobel, stating in part that his "lifelong advocacy for the poor and homeless was a shining example to all of us of how to lift up those less fortunate than us."
Today, I join my fellow Nashvillians in mourning the passing of Father Charles Strobel. His lifelong advocacy for the poor and homeless was a shining example to all of us of how to lift up those less fortunate than us. pic.twitter.com/AxfDTzoxex
— Mayor John Cooper (@JohnCooper4Nash) August 6, 2023
1977, Strobel became the pastor of Holy Name Catholic Church. During his time there he noticed many homeless people visiting his parish cold and hungry and he couldn't let it keep happening.
"On a cold night he looked out the window and he couldn't allow people to sleep in their cars and on the church parking lot steps. So, he welcomed them inside and that began the room and inn," executive director of Room in the Inn, Rachel Hester, said.
He urged churches and synagogues to open their doors too, so Nashville could have more winter emergency shelters. The idea grew into a city-wide program and currently more than 200 congregations open shelters from November to March every year.
Now there are nearly 200 congregations who shelter almost 1500 people from November 1 through March 31 every year.
"We're sad. There's no way around it. We are going to miss his mischievous grin, and the stories that he had to tell and the reminiscing," she said.
Two weeks after opening Room in the Inn, an escapee of a prison ward of a Michigan psychiatric institution, killed Strobel's mother.
But even after enduring that pain and heartbreak, he opted for kindness and forgiveness. Even before his mother's murder, Strobel was vocal against the death penalty.
"He would tell people on a regular basis. Every single day you heard this. Do you believe in the goodness that you have," she said
In 2005, Strobel stepped down as executive director of Room in The Inn. His long-time friend Rachel Hester took the position, while he transitioned into a more spiritual role.
"When we talk about the loss that we're going to have here. We have lost our mentor. The person who would sit with us when we were sad, be with us on the coldest days and remind us of our purpose," Hester said.
Hester said Strobel embodied the heart of a true servant and is confident Nashville will work to keep his legacy alive.
