A Knoxville homeless shelter for senior citizens can now help almost twice as many people.
Catholic Charities of East Tennessee celebrated Tuesday the expansion of Samaritan Place.
The program provides short-term housing allowing senior citizens to be as independent as possible while still ensuring their safety.
The shelter expanded by 40 percent and can house 42 people at one time. Samaritan Place workers said the extra space will provide crucial help as the temperature begins to drop.
"The senior population is different than their counterparts on the street with them as well. They aren't really able to handle the cold weather or staying outside and staying in places not meant for habitation," Mandy McKay, a Samaritan place employee, said.
Seniors can stay at Samaritan Place for up to six months. During that time, workers help clients make sense of their finances and find permanent housing in Knox County.
