Our Mission
is to prevent and end homelessness through compassion, accountability and results.
The Volunteer Ministry Center (VMC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and offers specialized services to individuals experiencing homelessness and those within our community who are in crisis. VMC’s programs support its two-fold mission of facilitating permanent supportive housing for those who are homeless and providing services to prevent homelessness.
OUR STORY
The Volunteer Ministry Center was founded in 1987 by downtown churches in response to the need for a daytime shelter for the increasing number of homeless persons on the street. In 1991, VMC was joined by the Refuge, a volunteer operated homeless prevention program. In 1992, VMC constructed the Jackson Apartments which offered housing to 16 formerly homeless men. Clinic services were added on a part-time basis in 1998. In 2007, VMC began an emphasis on offering permanent solutions to homelessness rather than simply offering emergency care. In March of 2009, VMC relocated from its original building downtown to a new facility at 511 N. Broadway. In November 2010, the Jackson Apartments were replaced by Minvilla Manor, a 57 unit rent subsidized permanent supportive housing facility. In 2023, VMC opened Caswell Manor, a 48 unit rent subsidized permanent supportive housing facility. VMC continues to operate an on-site Dental Clinic.
Then and Now
1976
1986
1987
1991
VOLUNTEER HELPERS, INC. receives a donation of property and building on Gay Street to provide "basic necessities of life to the homeless and needy" by offering "last resort overnight accommodations" and Knoxville's day shelter aka "The Day Room."
Nine downtown churches organize the KNOXVILLE URBAN MINISTRY CENTER and open THE REFUGE on Hinton Avenue "recognizing that their common calling to serve the poor was far stronger than their denominational divisions."
VOLUNTEER HELPERS, INC. and KNOXVILLE URBAN MINISTRY CENTER combine their efforts forming VOLUNTEER MINISTRY CENTER as an "ecumenical ministry of area congregations to the homeless and needy."
THE REFUGE relocates its offices to the Gay Street location.
1992
1998
2007
2009
2010
2023
Funding for THE JACKSON APARTMENTS was received to subsidize 16 apartments for formerly homeless men.
The PEOPLE'S CLINIC was added to provide medical and mental health services to the homeless. The DENTAL CLINIC was established.
VMC incorporates a "Housing First" approach to end homelessness and utilizes case management to provide supportive services.
VMC relocates to its present location on Broadway and the former Day Room becomes the Resource Center which provides transitional day services and guidance necessary for homeless individuals to work their way out of homelessness.
MINVILLA MANOR (the Old 5th Avenue Motel) opens with 57 apartments for formerly chronically homeless individuals with a disability.
CASWELL MANOR opens as VMC's second permanent supportive housing development providing 48 apartments for individuals experiencing choric homelessness.
Our Values
COMPASSION
ACCOUNTABILITY
RESULTS
Meeting people where they are with genuine welcome and respect
Holding people accountable in a context of dignity and respect
Seeing people move into a better life through housing
Since 1987, Volunteer Ministry Center provides the keys to lasting, housing-focused solutions for our community neighbors who are experiencing homelessness and in need of assistance during times of housing instability through our core values of compassion, accountability and results.
VMC provides a genuine welcome and respect for all. We meet our neighbors where they are with a continuum of effective and supportive services. Through compassion and accountability, our dedicated staff work cooperatively and mutually with each neighbor to achieve the best possible long-term results.
In collaboration with local providers of social services and other partners, VMC is committed to ending and preventing homelessness in Knoxville and Knox County.