Paul isn’t content simply to give the Roman church an idea of their own identity, happening in their own city. As he starts to close down his letter, he also gives them a sense for how they fit into the bigger picture of the Church. Including them in his travel plans, he also gives them an idea of what other churches are doing for the poor in Jerusalem, no doubt to get them thinking about following suit. It may also be that his requested support is also monetary, but even if it’s just a pat on the back as he travels to Spain, they are part of a growing network of the body of Christ.