News Summary
Knoxville Mayor Glenn Jacobs has unveiled Liberty Place, a new tiny home village providing permanent housing for homeless veterans. Opened on November 21, 2024, the village features 32 units and aims to address the growing homelessness crisis among veterans in Knox County. Funded through a combination of federal assistance and local sources, the initiative emphasizes supportive services for residents and reflects a broader commitment to veteran welfare in the community.
Knoxville, TN – Homeless veterans in Knox County may find new hope as Mayor Glenn Jacobs announced the opening of a new “tiny home village” aimed at providing housing for those in need. The initiative was revealed during the mayor’s recent weekly social media update and is part of the county’s budget without an increase in property taxes.
The tiny home village, named Liberty Place, opened its doors to residents on November 21, 2024. This development features 32 units of permanent, supportive housing specifically designed for veterans facing homelessness or those at risk of losing their homes. The unveiling of Liberty Place comes in response to a sharp increase in homelessness in Knoxville, attributed to the scarcity of affordable housing options.
Knox County, which is home to approximately 30,260 veterans, has reported alarming statistics regarding homelessness in the veteran community. Between July and September 2024, around 315 veterans in Knoxville sought homeless services. Factors contributing to this situation include eviction, job loss, and the lack of affordable housing.
Liberty Place was constructed with a total investment of $15 million, funded through multiple sources. Funding includes $2 million from federal assistance, $500,000 from the City of Knoxville’s affordable housing funds, $7.1 million in tax credits from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency, and $1 million from the HOME Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan Program. Additionally, Knox County donated the land for the project, while Wells Fargo provided both construction and permanent debt financing, with First Horizon Bank supplying tax credit equity.
The development, designed by BarberMcMurry, offers distinctive features such as solar panels and energy-efficient equipment, with technical collaborations from the Electric Power Research Institute and Tennessee Valley Authority. Notably, half of the units in Liberty Place are fully ADA accessible.
On-site supportive services are available to assist veterans in transitioning to permanent housing. Participants will engage with the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) voucher program to further their reintegration process. Liberty Place also boasts amenities such as utilities, on-site maintenance, a community lounge, and in-unit washers and dryers.
Community involvement in the project was significant, with local organizations and residents donating essential household items for the living spaces. Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon highlighted the importance of providing safe and supportive housing for veterans, indicating a broader commitment to enhancing the lives of those who have served.
The construction of Liberty Place marks a vital step towards addressing the escalating homelessness crisis among veterans in Knoxville. Plans for additional permanent supportive housing projects are already underway by Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC), signaling a long-term strategy to combat homelessness within this demographic.
The establishment of Liberty Place not only serves as a shelter for homeless veterans but also reflects a collaborative effort within the community. Many contributors involved in this initiative are veterans themselves, underscoring the collective commitment to support those who have served their country.
As Knox County continues to address the challenge of veteran homelessness, initiatives like Liberty Place represent a crucial investment in the well-being and dignity of its residents, seeking to ensure that all veterans have a place to call home.
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: Tiny Home Village for Veterans
- Knox News: Liberty Place Opening
- WATE: Supportive Housing for Veterans
- Knox TN Today: KCDC Opens Housing for Veterans
- WSMV: Homeless Veterans in Crisis
- Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
- Google Search: Homeless veterans resources
- Google Scholar: Veteran support services
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Veteran
- Google News: Homeless veterans
