KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Knoxville and Knox County leaders working to address homelessness said they are still searching for a provider to take over operations of a low-barrier shelter serving homeless people. The Joint Office of Housing Stability said if it does not find an organization by March 31, the shelter will close.
The shelter is named "The Foyer" and is a collaboration between the Salvation Army and the Volunteer Ministry Center. It was meant to be a low-barrier, overnight shelter where people facing emergency situations could sleep safely. It has 30 beds and is located on Broadway.
In late January, the Volunteer Ministry Center said it couldn't afford to continue managing the shelter and would need to stop running it. Since then, the Joint Office of Housing Stability said it has been working to find a new service provider with the capacity needed to take over operations.
It said Wednesday that it could not find a provider as the deadline quickly approached. It also said VMC was coordinating alternative living situations for 12 people who are using the Foyer. It also said VMC would continue operating portable showers with support from Knoxville and Knox County.
The office also said, "The Safe Space is getting additional lighting, security cameras and portable bathrooms."
"The OHS will continue to explore options to fill the needs of our community that align with local goals as well as federal agency goals and standards," the office said. "The City, the County, and the Office of Housing Stability appreciate the valuable work VMC does in our community and look forward to the continued partnership with them and our other homeless service providers."
It also said the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has five specific guidelines for operating low-barrier shelters like the Foyer. They are listed below.
- Immediate, Low Barrier Access – Ensure open space 24/7; eliminate sobriety, income, employment or housing process requirements.
- Focus on Housing – No prerequisites to enter shelter or receive services toward housing.
- Safe, Appropriate Housing Options – Offer shelter services focused on alternative housing options through discussions, community supports and lighter touch solutions.
- Rapid-Exit Services – Shelter services with permanent housing ASAP.
- Data Measurement – Metrics that support changes to systems, processes, collaborations and outcomes.
