Key Member Spotlight: Robbie O'Cain

Meet our newest Key Member, Robbie O’Cain! Robbie is no stranger to Miriam’s House; he has provided crucial support to our work through advocacy and volunteerism. In February, Robbie joined our unstoppable community of monthly givers who are committed to ensuring that everyone in our community has a safe place to call home. We reached out to Robbie to learn more about him and his generous commitment to support our work to end homelessness through his ongoing gifts.


TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF, Robbie!

I am originally from Asheville, North Carolina and moved to Virginia to pursue a career in the craft beer business at Starr Hill Brewery. I moved to Lynchburg in 2020 but I had spent significant time in area since early 2019. I am an avid outdoorsman who appreciates time in the garden, a hike in the Blue Ridge, fly fishing on many of Virginia's beautiful waterways and spending time with my friends and my new puppy, Mary.

THERE ARE SO MANY GREAT NONPROFITS IN THE COMMUNITY, TELL US WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE TO SUPPORT MIRIAM’S HOUSE?

Lynchburg is full of worthy non-profits that are doing truly wonderful work. I was introduced to Miriam's House by a dear friend and was immediately drawn to their mission and approach to ending homelessness. The focus on support and goal of self-sufficiency is critical to sustainable solutions to homelessness, and Miriam's House is proving that methodology to be effective. I have been fortunate to have the ability to volunteer with Miriam's House—donating and moving furniture, delivering Christmas gifts, and dropping off Thanksgiving dinners. Working with the team at Miriam's house is always a pleasure and the passion they bring to their work is inspiring.

WHY DO YOU CHOOSE TO GIVE MONTHLY?

Monthly giving creates a steady and predictable stream of income for non-profits. It also occurs automatically and is a great way to maintain continuous giving over time with a "subscription style" expense to the home budget.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE BROADER COMMUNITY TO INSPIRE THEM TO JOIN THE KEY?

Supporting non-profits that address core human issues, like homelessness, are great ways to participate in improving our community. Monthly giving is a convenient way for a donor to make a substantial contribution over time.

When not helping to end homelessness in Lynchburg, I can be found…

Hiking, playing with my puppy, trying to grow flowers from seed, fly fishing, playing indoor soccer and supporting other truly wonderful non-profits in Lynchburg like Lynchburg Grows and Downtown Lynchburg Association!


Members of The Key, like the Robbie, have committed to financially supporting Miriam’s House through a donation amount of their choosing. This support ensures that hundreds of homeless families and individuals are given not only the physical key of a home but keys to independence, opportunity, and safety. Robbie, along with this transformative group of givers, is empowering individuals and unlocking homes and hopes for our most vulnerable neighbors, and we are so grateful.

YOU CAN BE THE KEY TO ENDING HOMELESSNESS. LEARN MORE HERE.

Leah Wiebe