Oct. 6: Making Room at the Inn

On July 16, 2012, a first-of-its-kind safe haven for pregnant college students was created on the grounds of Belmont Abbey College in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Several years ago, a study discovered that even when there are resources for pregnant college students on campus, the perception of a lack of resources can drive a woman to have an abortion or drop out of school.  That study motivated a Charlotte-based pregnancy resource center called Room at the Inn to pursue a college-based residence program.

The college’s Benedictine monks donated four acres of land to the project.  After years of fundraising and building, the 10,000-square-foot facility opened.  Fifteen mothers at a time will be able to stay there free-of-charge while receiving material and emotional support both before and after childbirth.  Women don’t have to attend Belmont Abbey College to participate.

As Jeannie Wray, Room at the Inn’s executive director, told the Catholic News Herald, “[We] can give these young women the opportunity to continue their educations, have their babies, and make a positive impact on society.”

Choose life.  (Deuteronomy 30:19)

May we support those who feel helpless, Lord.