🤝 Room in the Inn Ministry Team

🕊️ Creating Sanctuary, One Night at a Time

Terry and Jean Raley-Dennis

Room in the Inn Team Leads

Terry and Jean Raley-Dennis are long-time members of Holy Covenant UCC who bring deep commitment, compassion, and leadership to the Room in the Inn ministry. Terry currently serves as Consistory President at Holy Covenant, guiding church governance with a steady hand and a heart for community care.

Jean’s journey is one of perseverance and purpose: in midlife she returned to school to earn an associate degree in nursing, a path marked by intentional discipline and encouragement from Terry—and celebrated with a sheet cake featuring an elephant (minus one bite) as a symbolic reminder of pushing through challenges “one bite at a time.” Charlotte Magazine

Jean has since earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) and is currently working on completing her master’s degree!

Together, they have also stood as early affirmers in marriage equality; in 2014, Jean and Terry were among the first same-sex couples to obtain a marriage license in Cabarrus County, NC. The News & Observer

At Holy Covenant, their service stretches beyond leadership roles; they are active in ministries that shape the church’s life and mission. As co-leaders of Room in the Inn, they channel their faith into practical hospitality, guiding our congregation to welcome our neighbors with dignity and care.

🛏️ Open Doors, Warm Meals, Shared Hope

🤝 A Ministry of Shelter and Care

Room in the Inn (RITI) is Holy Covenant’s winter hospitality ministry in partnership with Roof Above.

From December 1 through March 31, faith communities across Charlotte open their doors to provide
overnight shelter, warm meals, and genuine welcome to neighbors experiencing homelessness.

At Holy Covenant, we believe every person deserves dignity. Through shared meals, conversation, and a safe night’s rest,
we honor that dignity and live into our call to love our neighbors.

Ways to Serve

Set-Up & Welcome Team — Prepare the space, greet guests, and share fellowship.
Dinner Team — Cook and serve a nourishing meal.
Overnight Hosts — Stay overnight as companions and support.
Breakfast & Bag Lunch — Provide morning meals and simple lunches to go.
Drivers — Assist with safe transport to and from Roof Above.
Laundry/Reset — Wash linens and reset the space for the next host date.

Prefer to help occasionally? Join our floating volunteer list to step in when needs arise.

✉️ Contact the Team Leads

Volunteer Sign-Up

Every Room in the Inn night is made possible through volunteers who give their time and care.

Click below to select your role and date. Thank you for helping us extend dignity and hospitality!

Room in the Inn

Offer warm meals, safe shelter, and compassionate care this winter season.