For the past two-plus years, challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic have prevented much personal contact between
Housing and Neighborhood Development staff members and the agencies supported by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and other federal funding the City allocates to area agencies through annual grants.
National Community Development Week presented the opportunity for City staff to connect and reconnect with our city's “boots on the ground” service providers.
Day 1: Participants visited the
East Tennessee Community Design Center and got to see several examples of the design and technical assistance they have been providing for the community for 72 years.
Day 2: Staff members visited the Knoxville Knox County Community Action Committee's (CAC) Housing and Energy Services team. They provide free minor home repairs for low-income households who live in the city of Knoxville. These services help keep housing affordable for residents and help keep residents in their homes, which prevents homelessness in our community.
Day 3: Staff members, including Housing and Neighborhood Development Director Becky Wade (left), received a tour of the Knox County
Mobile Meals kitchen. The kitchen served 1,609 individuals a year with nutritious meals, and 1,200 of those individuals are seniors who receive a daily meal service. This summer, the City is providing funding for the expansion of the Mobile Meals kitchen.
Day 4, morning: City staff received a tour of Neighborhood Housing, Inc's KnoxWorx and Operation Backyard programs.
KnoxWorx provides education and workforce development services for disadvantaged young adults, many of whom have dropped out of high school. This city-wide workforce development collaborative helps individuals obtain training and credentials in high-demand industries, leading to full-time employment and other opportunities.
Operation Backyard provides free minor home repairs and accessibility improvements for low-income households. Most repairs are completed by volunteers, connecting people who are eager to help out with residents who need the repairs to keep their homes safe, comfortable and accessible.
Day 4, afternoon: Staff members received a tour of the many spaces and services operated by
Volunteer Ministry Center, including their Resource Center, Dental Clinic, Street Outreach Operation Center, Bush Family Refuge, Mobile Shower Trailers, and Minvilla Manor. These programs provide necessary services for individuals who are experiencing homelessness.
The Resource Center is a day center for individuals who are living on the street or staying in the shelter. Clients can receive case management and meal services, access to private showers, a library, and daily scheduled activities. When our City crew visited, clients were participating in an art class. (No photos due to client confidentiality.)
Visiting the agencies and service providers who work for some of our city's most vulnerable residents made an impact on staffers who took the tours. Many thanks to Hope Ealey, who arranged the visits, and all the service providers who were so gracious with their time.