Transformations Alvin Nance, Executive Director and CEO, Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation
Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness
The ten-year plan to end chronic homelessness in Knoxville and Knox County is part of a national movement to end long-term or chronic homelessness. The plan offers a long-range, comprehensive approach to help homeless people gain stability in permanent, supportive housing.
As a member of the ten-year plan task force, I have the privilege of seeing a lot of positive results from this initiative. As head of KCDC, I can report firsthand on one change that is making a big difference.
As part of the housing first initiative of the ten-year plan and in partnership with the Community Action Committee, KCDC now has case managers at all four of our high rises. These case managers help link our elderly and disabled residents to the community resources they need to maintain their housing, thus reducing evictions and demands on community resources such as homeless shelters, hospitals and jails.
By working on-site, case managers really know our residents and are forming valuable relationships with them. And, they’re better able to help the residents get the help they need.
The program just started in September, but we’re already seeing its benefits.
At-risk residents are happier, more secure and receiving the services they need – the first step toward self sufficiency.
KCDC’s mission is to improve and transform neighborhoods and communities by providing quality affordable housing, advancing development initiatives and fostering self-sufficiency. For more information, call (865) 403-1100 or visit http://www.kcdc.org.