Agency Purpose and Mission
The Volunteer Ministry Center (VMC) is a part of the network of essential services to the homeless and people within our community who are in crisis.  Working in cooperation with theKnoxvillereligious community and other caring individuals, businesses and groups, VMC focuses on preventing and ending homelessness. 

Our mission is to facilitate permanent supportive housing for those who are homeless and to provide services to prevent homelessness.

 Agency History
VMC was founded in 1987 by the downtown churches to fill a gap left by the traditional missions which did not offer accommodations during the day.  The first program, The Day Room, offered hospitality, meals, etc. to the homeless during the day time hours.  The Refuge joined VMC in 1991 and used volunteers to work with the marginally housed in an effort to help them maintain their housing.  In 1992, VMC received a federal grant to subsidize 16 apartments (The Jackson Apartments) for formerly homeless men.  In 1997, medical and mental health services were offered for the first time in a small part-time clinic; in 1998, dental services were added.  All of these programs were offered in our former building on the corner of Jackson Avenue and GayStreet in downtown Knoxville.

In 2009, VMC relocated to its new building at 511 North Broadway.  The former Day Room became theResourceCenterand provides all services and guidance necessary for those homeless individuals intent on working their way out of homelessness.  Cherokee Health Systems leases clinic space in the new building and offers medical and mental health services.  VMC continues to offer dental services.  The Jackson Apartments have been replaced by Minvilla Manor, a 57 unit permanent supportive housing development which opened in November of 2010.