KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — 4th Purpose Foundation, a Knoxville-based criminal justice reform philanthropy, will be providing ex-offenders with affordable housing with a new development called: Dogan-Gaither Flats.
Dogan-Gaither Flats will be located at the former home of the historic Dogan-Gaither Motor Court at 211 Jessamine Street in Knoxville.
"This hotel used to be used for a disenfranchised group of people, it’s now again going to be used for a disenfranchised group of people," 4th Purpose foundation founded Josh Smith said.
The new development will provide housing, counseling, accountability, work placement, and transitional skills training to males returning to Knoxville from incarceration in the 16 one-bedroom unit apartment development.
4th Purpose Foundation was created in late 2019 by Smith, a Knoxville area resident and former CEO of Master Service Companies, based on his own experience in federal prison before starting and ultimately selling his companies.
"If they’re going to be our neighbors, don’t we want them to do well? Don’t we want them to transition well?" Smith asked.
Dogan-Gaither Flats is owned by 4th Purpose Foundation but will be managed by Men of Valor, a nonprofit focused on reducing recidivism among ex-offenders through “encouragement, support, accountability, and training.”
"They’ve existed for a couple decades doing phenomenal work helping people transition out of prison," Smith said.
The recidivism rate in some locations nationally is as high as 70%. In Tennessee, it is 51%. However, for men who receive a full year or more of affordable supportive housing in a Men of Valor facility, the recidivism rate is less than 10%.
The City of Knoxville will provide $480,000 in funding for the project through the Affordable Rental Development Fund in order to help keep the rent and supportive services affordable for the ex-offenders.
The groundbreaking event will take place at Dogan-Gaither Flats on March 5.