KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — In the homeless community, it's not unheard of for an encampment to be told to relocate. Under the Broadway overpass near downtown Knoxville is a popular spot for people to build encampments. The Knoxville Police Department said it regularly clears encampments out from the area.
"The Broadway overpass near Depot is cleaned and cleared on a regular basis by KPD officers and City of Knoxville Public Service crews. Individuals camping at that location, which is clearly marked as no trespassing, are aware of the clean-up and notified ahead of time. Additionally, those individuals are offered and directed to the various service providers," a police spokesperson said in a statement.
The police department said it tries to usher people to the fenced-in area up the street called "The Safe Space." While the space is available for people during the day, its availability at night is questionable.
While homeless people may struggle to find a safe place to sleep at night, organizations like the Volunteer Ministry Center offer beds. Dyrl Higdown, a member of the organization's outreach team, said it tries to build connections and trust with people.
"There's a lot of miscommunication in where someone can stay," said Dyrl Higdon, a member of Volunteer Ministry Center's outreach team.
He said when The Safe Space closes for the day, people disperse and form encampments.
To prevent this, organizations like the Volunteer Ministry Center try to uplift people and help them find ways to be independent with stable lives.
"We try to bring just a little bit of stability. If not stability, at least consistency to their lives in seeing us, and always just try to make sure they know we care about them and that we're ready to help," Higdon said.
The center offers legal help for people who may need documentation for things like job application, or who need help clearing some parts of a criminal record. They also offer medical and dental care, try to set people up with jobs, and eventually aim to help them find permanent housing.
"Aside from healthcare, and income, and food, and clothing and all that, —the main focus is housing because everybody wants a home," Higdon said.
The center says there are around 1,890 people in the downtown Knoxville area who are unhoused, and they hope to help as many as they can.