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Low-barrier shelter that offered a safe place to sleep closes after deadline passes to find new provider

The deadline to find a new service provider for The Foyer passed on March 31. It had few requirements, giving people facing homelessness a safe place to sleep.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The deadline to find a new service provider passed on Sunday, and so The Foyer is now closed. The low-barrier shelter had few requirements to take people in, helping make sure people facing homelessness and similar kinds of emergencies had a safe place to sleep.

In January, the Volunteer Ministry Center said it couldn't afford to continue managing the shelter and leaders working to address homelessness said they were searching for a new provider. The week leading up to the closure, the Knoxville-Knox County Office of Housing Stability said it could not find a new provider.

"Last night was the last night The Foyer was open," said Erin Read on Monday, from the Joint Office of Housing Stability.

The office also said it was working to find alternative living situations for 12 people who were staying at The Foyer. It also said that the VMC would continue operating portable showers to help people in Knoxville and Knox County.

The shelter was located at 409 North Broadway, near the Salvation Army. It also has helped people facing homelessness and worked with VMC on The Foyer. It had 30 beds.

Read previously described it as a "waystation," and said it was a place meant to help people working towards permanent housing.

People in Knoxville facing homelessness or other kinds of emergency can reach out for help navigating social services by calling 211. The Helpline is meant to connect people with experts who can help them find resources to address any issues they're facing.

   

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