News Summary
Father Charles Strobel, a significant figure in Nashville known for his dedication to the homeless community through initiatives like Room In The Inn, has passed away at 80. His impact spanned decades as he tirelessly worked to provide shelter and support for those in need. Born and raised in Nashville, Strobel founded Room In The Inn in 1985, which grew to help thousands each year. His legacy is marked by compassion and advocacy for social justice. The community plans a memorial gathering in his honor as tributes pour in for his lifelong commitment to humanitarian efforts.
Nashville, Tennessee – Father Charles Strobel, a revered figure dedicated to the welfare of the homeless, passed away on August 6, 2023, at the age of 80 due to complications related to Parkinson’s disease. His remarkable contributions to the Nashville community, particularly his role as the founder of Room In The Inn, left a lasting impact on thousands of lives.
Born on March 12, 1943, in Nashville, Strobel spent his early years on an integrated block within Germantown, close to the Church of the Assumption. He attended the Assumption School and later graduated from Father Ryan High School in 1961. Strobel pursued higher education in philosophy at St. Mary College in Lebanon, Kentucky, before obtaining a master’s degree in education from Xavier University and a theology degree from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. It was during his studies in Washington that he became deeply engaged in the Civil Rights Movement.
Ordained as a priest on January 31, 1970, Strobel began his ministry by celebrating his first mass at the Church of the Assumption. Throughout his career, he served as associate pastor at Immaculate Conception Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, and other parishes within the region. However, it was in the winter of 1985 that Strobel took a monumental step in addressing homelessness by founding Room In The Inn, a nonprofit organization aimed at helping Nashville’s homeless population.
The inception of Room In The Inn began with Strobel opening a gymnasium in his church to provide shelter to those in need during the winter months. Over the years, the initiative grew exponentially, expanding from four partnering congregations to nearly 200 congregations, supported by over 7,000 volunteers. In total, the organization assists almost 1,500 individuals annually, highlighting the critical need for shelter and support within the community.
In addition to launching Room In The Inn, Strobel also opened a soup kitchen named Loaves and Fishes in 1983 at his parish, further solidifying his commitment to alleviating hunger and poverty. After the tragic murder of his mother in 1986, Strobel made the decision to leave the priesthood to devote himself entirely to assisting Nashville’s homeless. He became a prominent advocate against the death penalty, stressing the importance of forgiveness in the aftermath of personal loss.
Throughout his life, Strobel received numerous accolades, including the Human Relations Award from the National Conference of Christian and Jews, recognizing his tireless humanitarian efforts. His legacy is reflected in the profound impact he had on those he served and the community at large.
Father Strobel is survived by his brother, Jerome Strobel, and sister, Alice Strobel Eadler, along with several nieces and nephews. As the community mourns his passing, plans for a memorial gathering are currently underway to celebrate his life and significant contributions to Nashville.
In honor of Father Strobel, the family has requested memorial contributions be made to the Charles Strobel Housing Fund, aimed at supporting affordable housing initiatives for the homeless, ensuring that his mission continues in the form of ongoing community support and care.
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Additional Resources
- Tennessee Register: Father Charles Strobel Dies at 80
- Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
- WKRN: Community Mourns Father Strobel
- Google Search: Father Charles Strobel
- Legacy: Mandi Parl Obituary
- Google Scholar: Homelessness Initiatives
- Dignity Memorial: Charles Strobel Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homelessness
- Davidson County Source: David Gentry Smith Obituary
- Google News: Father Charles Strobel Nashville
Author: HERE Nashville
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