The Bush Family Refuge is VMC’s homeless prevention program and serves individuals and families who are in crisis and/or who may be at risk of losing their home.  The Refuge is well known in the community.  It typically receives the second highest number of referral calls by theKnoxville211 information line for emergency assistance.  Trained volunteer counselors assist with providing solutions to the many requests for services which include obtaining assistance with a utility bill or rent, transportation assistance to a worksite, obtaining identification, assistance with procuring eyeglasses, and a variety of other critical needs.  Every need is verified and vouchers are used instead of cash.  The Refuge program is dedicated to the prevention of homelessness, and all volunteer work is done under the direction of a professional social worker.

In 2011, the Bush Family Refuge assisted 583 individuals and families with utilities, 88 individuals and families with rent and, 4,406 individuals and families with other needs.

 To contact the Refuge, please call 673-0235 Monday through Friday, 9:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.