Programs
is a community leader with over three decades of experience in providing homeless services to individuals and families through SIX 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 IDs, 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
A full-time engagement team that works 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 on 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 a copy of a lease/utility bill with Knox County address AND a current pay stub, statement from an employer stating wages, Social Security award 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 the long-term or full support of Permanent Supportive Housing.
How to get services:
We offer post-housing case management and financial assistance to those who qualify through the Coordinated Housing Assessment and Match Plan (CHAMP).
Individuals scoring in the RRH range and referred to VMC will have access to the VMC Resource Center and case management services to assist them in navigating into affordable housing.
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 positively impact the people we serve.
