Blount County, Tenn. — Family Promise of Blount County has launched a new initiative to support families struggling with homelessness by opening a state-of-the-art static shelter. The shelter, designed to accommodate four families at a time, provides essential services, including a kitchen, living room, and play area for children. The organization hopes this new resource will offer more than just a roof over families’ heads — it aims to provide a foundation for long-term stability.
Executive Director April Smith emphasized the increasing demand for homelessness services in the county. “We are at a point where we are seeing so many families who are homeless. And it’s not just generational homelessness; it is homelessness in general,” she said.
The static shelter is a strategic shift for Family Promise of Blount County, which has traditionally used a rotating shelter model. Smith explained that the new location will offer families a more stable and welcoming environment. “We started thinking outside the box and decided that we need a static shelter — a location where families could come and feel even more welcomed and supported in the system.”
The shelter program allows families to stay for up to 90 days. During this period, case managers like Ciara Humphrey work closely with residents to help them break down barriers to permanent housing. These barriers can include poor credit, eviction history, and the rising cost of child care.
“People like single moms, especially those who have the capacity to work, might have a job but don’t have the opportunity to work full-time or earn enough to afford a home,” Humphrey explained.
According to Family Promise, the need for housing assistance has grown since the COVID-19 pandemic, as affordable housing options have become increasingly scarce. Executive Director Smith pointed out the dramatic increase in rental costs, saying, “Rents that were normally $750 to $900 are now $1,600 to $1,000. Deposits have also become more expensive, with landlords now requiring both first and last month’s rent.”
As part of the program, families are provided with opportunities to transition to more permanent housing. Once they have completed their stay at the static shelter, they can move into Family Promise’s transitional housing program, which includes a quadplex and a house donated by Clayton Homes.
The first family moved into the new shelter on Monday, marking a significant milestone for the organization. This shelter is the first of its kind in Blount County and is seen as a critical resource for families facing homelessness in the area.
Family Promise of Blount County’s innovative approach to homelessness provides not only shelter but also the tools and support needed for families to regain their independence and stability. As the community continues to face challenges related to the lack of affordable housing, this new shelter offers a glimmer of hope for those in need.
