Jacksonville – He has been described as a “sort of homeless whisperer, a kind soul who spends his days and nights offering shelter, education and treatment opportunities for the most vulnerable people in Nashville.”

     Meet Charles Strobel. Nashvillian of the Year (2004) and Tennessean of the Year (2005).

     He has been recognized for his work in addressing social inequities and in doing something about them. Mr. Strobel will speak of his experiences at the MacMurray College baccalaureate service on Saturday, May 6, at 10:00 a.m.

     He is currently the executive director (and co-founder) of The Campus for Human Development, a single site of services for the homeless established in 1995. It serves more than 3,000 individuals a year and over 250 daily.

      Nashville Scene magazine describes Mr. Strobel as “a mosquito buzzing in the ear of Nashville’s movers and shakers” who has “persistently---some would say stubbornly---refused to tone down his unceasing advocacy” on behalf of the homeless.

     His mission to minister to the homeless began in the 1970’s soon after graduating from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. As a Catholic priest in inner-city Nashville, Mr. Strobel began providing peanut butter sandwiches to the hungry. Not long after, he formed a community soup kitchen, Loaves and Fishes in 1983. That was followed by Matthew 25, a homeless shelter for working men, in 1985. That same year, he helped organize St. Patrick’s Shelter for families in need. During the winter of 1986, he was pastor of Holy Name Catholic Church in Nashville and noticed people sleeping in their cars in the church parking lot on a very cold night. Starting with four congregations, the Room in the Inn now has over 150. A similar program began in 1997 in Calgary, Alberta in Canada.

      In 1991, he formed Guest House, an alternative to the “drunk tank” at the city jail.

     His current effort, The Campus for Human Development, has been described as “the hub of learning, case management and respite services to the homeless and to those who are working to get off the streets.”

     Mr. Strobel received his Bachelor of Philosophy and Liberal Arts at St. Mary’s Seminary, St. Mary, Kentucky in 1965. He earned his Bachelor of Theology and Master of Theology at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. in 1968 and 1970, respectively.

      He also obtained a Master of Education degree in 1970 from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

     Mr. Strobel has been honored with a community service award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews and an annual service award from Catholic Charities. He has formed alliances with the offices of the Governor of the State of Tennessee, the Mayor of Nashville and the city’s housing, health and police departments, the Veteran’s Administration, corporations, foundations and health care providers.

      Charles Strobel has immersed himself in the community of the homeless, remaining a tireless servant and advocate for them.

     Located in Jacksonville, Ill., MacMurray College is a private, four-year, liberal arts, coeducational college, founded in 1846, and affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Its friendly, informal environment stresses academic excellence, personal attention, career experience, and well-rounded development of each individual.