To Keep A Neighbor Warm
On Sunday, November 10, our Church Council approved moving forward in becoming the North Knoxville Warming Center. Let me help you understand why we are doing this, what this means for us, and how you can help.
Why the Need?
The demand for housing assistance in Knoxville has surged, with the number of people seeking aid increasing from 1,000 in 2018 to 1,800 in 2024. This rise has highlighted the challenge of finding affordable housing and the need to protect our community’s most vulnerable during extreme cold. We are one of four warming centers in Knoxville, and outside of KARM, they are all run by United Methodist Churches. The goal is simple: prevent death and frostbite during frigid nights. The City and County Office of Housing Stability is partnering with us. We will be “on call” between December 15 and February 15 whenever temperatures are forecasted to drop below 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
What We’re Doing
Our church is committed to offering warmth, shelter, and safety for those in need. The Old Fellowship Hall will serve as our designated warming center during qualifying cold nights, open from 9-10 p.m. with guests departing by 6:45-7:00 a.m. the following morning. Our capacity will be 12-15 guests. While the center is open, stairwells will be secured, and armed security (provided by the Office of Housing Stability) will be present to ensure everyone’s safety. We will not accept pets, and individuals with children will be taken to facilities prepared for them. KARM will supply evening food and transportation assistance through bus passes, and will help guests find shelter during daytime hours if necessary (provided by the Office of Housing and Stability). Should extreme weather make transportation unsafe, the center may remain open beyond nighttime hours. All guests will surrender weapons, medications, and drugs during the check-in process and submit to a handheld metal detector scan. A deep and thorough cleaning will happen each morning before other groups use the space.
How You Can Help
- Volunteer: We need a minimum of two volunteers each night, with an additional person on call. A 75-minute online training session covering essential safety and de-escalation practices will be available before Thanksgiving. Learn more and sign up to volunteer >
- Donate Supplies: Permanent needs include cots and two lock boxes for surrendered items. Other helpful donations include snacks, first aid items, earplugs, eye masks, COVID tests, and blankets. Financial gifts are also welcomed. Every contribution helps us serve those facing life-threatening cold with compassion and dignity.