KNOXVILLE, Tenn — Anthony Colbert comes to Magnolia Avenue United Methodist Church every time they host one of their free medical clinics. Before this opened eight years ago, Anthony had no way of being seen by a doctor.
"I didn't have any insurance, any doctors and I had diabetes. This was my only hope, and I was glad to have hope," said Colbert.
Dorthy Davidson is the manager of the free clinic and her husband is the clinic's doctor. They got involved with the clinic because they wanted to remove some of that "hopeless feeling" that some people felt.
"We have too many people that are not covered by basic insurance. The comfort people have in coming here. They know they will be treated fairly and their concerns will be heard. And yes they know we don't have everything but they are grateful for what we do have," said Davidson.
The clinic works with a lot of immigrants who aren't yet eligible for health insurance.
"We have a large immigrant population, and we provide care to them that benefits all of society. Because when someone comes to the country, they can't just go see a doctor so if they never get screened for these public health issues, who's going to," said Davidson.
The church's pastor, Tim Jackson, adds free food and clothing to the event and other community organizations to help people find jobs. He grew up homeless and says that he's trying to create a family for those without one.
"From a family environment, you draw your strength, your identity, community, and you draw your work," said Jackson.