Operation Hero’s Hill Groundbreaking Ceremony
WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Public Defender’s Office – 1101 Liberty Street
BACKGROUND: Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs will host a groundbreaking ceremony for Operation Hero’s Hill, the county’s initiative to provide permanent tiny-home housing for veterans experiencing homelessness.
Speakers include:
• Mayor Glenn Jacobs
• U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn
• U.S. Congressman Tim Burchett
• Superintendent Jon Rysewyk, KCS
• Director Martina D. Malek, FACHE, VA
• Commissioner David Salyers, TDEC
• Director Walter Perry, HUD
• Executive Director Ben Bentley, KCDC
Operation Hero’s Hill is a transformative Knox County initiative aimed at ending veteran homelessness by providing safe, stable, and dignified housing. The project will build 20 tiny homes and a community center, with the homes built by Knox County Schools’ Career and Technical Education students under the guidance of skilled-trade mentors and industry partners.
Parking is available across Division Street at the TCAT Automotive Technology Building.
