KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A community-wide effort is underway to address a looming winter shelter shortage in Knoxville after The Salvation Army announced it will not resume its seasonal cold-weather shelter program.
The issue came into public focus Saturday when local nonprofit ReLAUNCH launched a campaign urging The Salvation Army to reopen its winter shelter for one final season while community leaders work to identify alternative shelter locations before freezing temperatures arrive.
ReLAUNCH Executive Director and Co-Founder Linda Conaway said the organization is concerned that vulnerable residents could face dangerous conditions this winter if additional overnight shelter space is not secured.
The nonprofit has issued a public appeal to churches, businesses, and property owners across Knoxville, asking them to consider opening facilities that could serve as emergency warming centers during severe cold weather events.
In response, The Salvation Army said its decision to permanently discontinue seasonal shelter operations was made after careful consideration and reflects a broader strategy focused on long-term housing stability and year-round support services.
Organization officials noted that they currently operate 117 year-round emergency shelter beds and have expanded services in recent years. Improvements include additional family housing rooms and the launch of the “Bridge to Home” recovery program through partnerships with UT Medical Center, the Metro Drug Coalition, and the Helen Ross McNabb Center.
The Salvation Army said its goal is not only to provide temporary shelter but also to help individuals transition into stable housing and employment through case management and support services.
Officials cited several factors behind the decision not to reopen the seasonal shelter program this winter.
Among the challenges identified were the lack of dedicated funding needed to cover staffing, security, food, and utility costs associated with operating a temporary shelter. The organization also reported that the gymnasium previously used for overflow winter shelter space suffered significant flood damage and is no longer available.
In addition, a former thrift store building that had been used in past winter shelter efforts has been converted into a permanent year-round Resource Hub that provides centralized access to housing assistance, employment services, and other support programs.
The Salvation Army also expressed concerns about safety and security challenges associated with operating large temporary shelters while continuing to serve families with children and individuals participating in recovery programs on its campus.
Despite differing approaches to addressing homelessness, both ReLAUNCH and The Salvation Army agree that the community must find a solution before winter arrives.
The Knoxville-Knox County Office of Housing Stability and ReLAUNCH are encouraging local congregations and organizations to consider serving as overnight warming centers. Officials say the city can provide training, coordination, planning assistance, and security support to organizations willing to participate.
As the winter season approaches, community leaders continue searching for locations that can help fill the emergency shelter gap and ensure vulnerable residents have a safe place to stay during periods of extreme cold.
