SECU Foundation has provided a $40,000 grant to OBX Room in the Inn (RITI), a non-profit that provides seasonal hospitality, food, shelter, and year-round support services to homeless men and women in Dare County. The funding will help the organization develop a strategic plan for financial sustainability and program analysis to help identify long and short-term goals to support community needs.
OBX Room in the Inn has served more than 500 homeless individuals since 2009, partnering with community resources including churches, Interfaith Community Outreach, Dare County Department of Social Services, Crossroads Outreach, Outer Banks Port Health Services, local physicians, and over 100 volunteers each year.
“This organization is a great asset to the Outer Banks region and Dare County,“ said Chad Holloman, SECU senior vice president. “OBX Room in the Inn has shown the need for expanded programs and services to help adults experiencing homelessness regain control of their lives. We are pleased to support their efforts to help tackle and end the cycle of homelessness.”
“This recently awarded grant from SECU Foundation is the largest in the history of RITI,” said Michael Jones, OBX Room in the Inn executive director. “Since founded 13 years ago, we have been evolving from a grassroots effort into a structured and professional non-profit organization, with programs and services to help improve the lives of homeless adults in need. This grant will serve as a needed impetus to continue to expand and grow our program in order to meet the needs of as many people as possible. The OBX Room in the Inn family remains intensely grateful for this opportunity given to us by the SECU Foundation, and we are hopeful for our future.”