Who We Are:

We are a student-led group of five from the University of Tennessee, and we partnered with the non-profit Volunteer Ministry Center (VMC) in Knoxville. In this partnership, we hope to support our homeless neighbors through supportive services and safe housing. We know housing is more than a roof; housing is the ticket to stability. Your donation will help VMC continue its “Opening Doors for a Better Tomorrow” mission by assisting individuals within our community and bringing opportunities to alter lives in Knoxville.

What You Support:

Hearts for Housing is raising $1000 to support the Volunteer Ministry Center (VMC), a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to ending homelessness in Knoxville. Funds will go directly to programs such as:

Homelessness Prevention (Bush Family Refuge): rent & utility help for families in crisis Provides eviction prevention, vital documents, mail, referrals, work shoes, transportation, and more for families and individuals in crisis (1,124 neighbors served in 2024).

Housing Case Management Services: Resource Center is a transitional day program that provides case management services, classes, meals, showers, laundry, and social activities; all services are focused to support their goal of achieving housing. meals, showers, classes, and rapid rehousing (Minvilla Manor and Caswell Manor).

Street Outreach: Made contact with 1,032 neighbors contacted living in encampments and on the streets of Knoxville; mobile shower trailers provided 2,724 showers to provided 526 individuals in 2024.

Permanent Supportive Housing: 105 affordable apartments for chronically homeless individuals with a disability (Minvilla Manor and Caswell Manor) with on-site case managers and 24/7 onsite attendants.

Free Dental Clinic: 577 patient visits and 1,242 procedures (cleanings, fillings, dentures, and extractions) performed at no cost for homeless and low-income Knox County residents in 2024.

If we don't reach our goal, every dollar raised will still go directly to VMC to support their cause.

Your Impact On Transforming Lives:

Your generosity for Hearts for Housing helps the Volunteer Ministry Center to provide not only immediate relief, but lasting solutions for our Knoxville neighbors. With a 90.8% housing retention rate, the VMC model is effective - those who find housing tend to keep it. Your gift could provide a hot meal, assistance with rent, or even the keys to a permanent apartment. Together, we can open doors, restore hope, and help to end homelessness one neighbor at a time.

Local Business that partnered to help:

BadDayHatCo.

Other Ways You Can Help:

If you aren’t able to give, you can still provide support! Use GoFundMe's sharing tools to promote Hearts for Housing with your family and friends - every share gets us closer to ending homelessness in Knoxville.

You can also volunteer at VMC by going to their website: Volunteer

Our Campaign Blog

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