Programs
is a community leader in the Housing First approach with over three decades of experience in providing homeless services to individuals and families through 4 main areas of service.
VMC
Bush Family Refuge
A walk-in navigation center focusing on prevention services (rental assistance and eviction mitigation), crisis intervention and referrals, vital document services (birth certificates, TN state ID’s, etc.) and transportation. The Refuge is one of the primary locations in Knoxville for intake assessments necessary for housing placement eligibility verification.
What to bring:
If you are unsure of what documentation you need, or have questions, please call 865.673.0235.
No documentation is needed for a CHAMP assessment, replacement IDs, KAT tickets, prescription payment assistance, or community referrals.
Street Outreach
Full-time engagement team who work on the streets daily to connect unsheltered people with services. This team also hosts office hours, a clothing closet, mobile shower trailers, intake, and case management.
Note
Outreach workers spend most of their time in the field and will return calls when they are in the office.
Resource Center
A Day Center with staff who provide one-on-one case management to help overcome barriers to housing and self sufficiency. Classes, a meal program, showers, laundry facilities and social activities are also offered.
How to get services:
We offer services to those who have been referred by the Coordinated Housing Assessment and Match Plan (CHAMP) assessment and have completed an orientation session.
Those interested in the Resource Center should start with a CHAMP assessment that can be completed in the VMC Bush Family Refuge Tuesday-Thursday: 9am-11am.
Dental Clinic
Dental services for uninsured/low income Knox County TN residents over the age of 18 who are defined as literally homeless per HUD standards AND Knox County TN residents 18 and older in the HUD income range of extremely low (0-30% AMI), regardless of housing status. Services are provided through volunteer and donor partnerships and grants and include fillings, cleanings, extractions, and more.
What to bring:
People who are currently experiencing homelessness will need an intake packet
completed prior to being seen by the dental clinic.
Paperwork can be
completed in the Refuge Tuesday-Thursday: 9am-11am.
Low-income/Uninsured Knox County residents need to bring a TN ID with a current Knox County address or copy of lease/utility bill with Knox County address AND a current pay stub, statement from an employer stating wages, Social Security awards letter, or a SNAP letter. Other proof of income may also be accepted.
Rapid Rehousing
A program for those who need guidance to navigate the housing system and short term rental assistance, but do not need long-term or the full support of a day shelter or PSH.
How to get services:
The Rapid Rehousing waiting list is reviewed on Thursdays. Individuals are selected from the waiting list based on CHAMP score and case management capacity. In order to be selected for the program, neighbors must maintain contact. Referred neighbors may check in during in person office hours (Thursday 3pm-4pm) or by responding to phone calls or email from RRH staff.
Permanent Supportive
Housing (PSH)
A housing model designed to serve the most vulnerable who have been identified as “chronically homeless” and have physical/mental disabilities that compound their issues.
- Minvilla Manor: 57 apartments staffed 24/7
- Caswell Manor: 48 apartments staffed 24/7
How to get services:
Residents are selected from the Coordinated Housing Assessment and Match Plan (CHAMP) referral process. Clients must be referred to the CHAMP PSH list by a community case manager and are selected from the list according to vulnerability. Upon being selected from the list, clients and referring case managers will complete additional paperwork.
Program Leadership
Meet our program leaders who ensure our day-to-day initiatives run smoothly.
