Shawn Griffith, one of two homeless program coordinators for the city of Knoxville, had four suggestions for members of Town Hall East:
- Advocate for permanent supportive housing. “We need you on our side” if neighborhood opposition occurs.
- Support our local supportive services.
- Align your charitable work with our services.
- Advocate with state and local officials.
Sandra Korbelik, former president of Town Hall East and a professional planner, encouraged the audience to get involved with Advance Knox, a planning process currently underway for Knox County. “Don’t let the developers set our policy. They like to build single-family homes on flat land.”
Nick Della Volpe, who previously represented the district on Knoxville City Council, is concerned about the end game and the root causes of homelessness. He said after the meeting:
“Lots of info about programs to house people in affordable housing – a genuine need – but too little about addressing the root causes. Of course, there is mental illness and hardly any state mental health treatment facilities left. And low income.
“One suggestion: ask the state to expand Medicaid to help cover growing hospital costs. And build more lower-cost homes. But there is also too much drug use and seeming contentment with a subsidized hobo lifestyle. Camps in woods and other publicly controlled spaces, spiced with city- and private-subsidized meal vouchers and hotel lodging … Despite job openings everywhere.
“We are 20 years into the former 10-year plan to end homelessness. No end in sight. Surrounding counties let Knoxville carry the load; no programs of their own. Where are we headed?”
Tom Woodbery commented on the Knox TN Today website: “Good to have these discussions. Education + Job = Financial Security, and therefore less homelessness.”
And Margaret Massey-Cox wrote: “Homelessness is a complex issue with many parts, causes and ramifications. It, like so many issues, does not fit easily into a single box or sound bite solution. It also requires multiple layers of government, private sector, religious groups and nonprofits to come together, commit to the long game and coordinate efforts. To summarize, it’s hard, very hard, but we can no longer turn our heads and ignore these individuals, families and children.”
In researching another story, I found a Realtor in Missouri who started a cluster of tiny houses called Eden Village. Check it out here.
Finally, I’m impressed with the city’s measured comprehensive response to homelessness. That plan is here.
Sandra Clark is editor/CEO of Knox TN Today Inc.