Our Program
OUR GOAL IS SIMPLE. WE ARE COMMITTED TO THE AUDACIOUS DREAM OF ENDING HOMELESSNESS IN BLOUNT COUNTY.
Providing support and care for our neighbors experiencing homelessness in a largely urban community has challenges that differ from addressing this problem in rural areas. That’s why we’re working with law enforcement and our nonprofit partners to locate and come alongside neighbors living on the street or in substandard housing through outreach efforts across the county.
With compassion, empathy, and understanding, we believe in addressing the immediate need to provide temporary housing, building a network of support, and creating a pathway to permanent, affordable housing for everyone in our community.
Our Program
OUR GOAL IS SIMPLE. WE ARE COMMITTED TO THE AUDACIOUS DREAM OF ENDING HOMELESSNESS IN BLOUNT COUNTY.
Providing support and care for our neighbors experiencing homelessness in a largely urban community has challenges that differ from addressing this problem in rural areas. That’s why we’re working with law enforcement and our nonprofit partners to locate and come alongside neighbors living on the street or in substandard housing through outreach efforts across the county.
With compassion, empathy, and understanding, we believe in addressing the immediate need to provide temporary housing, building a network of support, and creating a pathway to permanent, affordable housing for everyone in our community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is A Place to Stay PARTNERING to end homelessness in Blount County?
Blount County is a place where people can live and thrive, but there are neighbors all around us who are experiencing homelessness. In January 2023, a preliminary Point in Time Count reported over 409 persons experiencing homelessness in Blount County. The reasons our neighbors experience homelessness are many and varied including any life change which make housing no longer attainable including job loss, divorce or death of a spouse, rent increase or sales of rental properties, loss from natural disasters, medical bills, auto or home repair bills, disability, mental illness, substance use, incarceration, change in family status, and lack of affordable/attainable housing.
What does APTS provide for our neighbors experiencing homelessness?
- Mentoring/Life-Coaching: Provide care coordination to remove barriers to housing and empower neighbors to achieve self-sufficiency
- Support Services: Connect neighbors with community agencies to meet client needs
- Career Services: Creating sustainability through training and employment
The steps are:
- Personal Needs Assessment
- Together, Develop a Personal Action Plan
- Identify Resources/Support Network
- Assess and Monitor
- 12-Month Follow-Up Post Exit
Do you just give away motel stays?
No. APTS may provide a motel stay as part of a larger case management plan designed to help the Neighbor achieve long-term stability. In order to qualify for any such assistance, the Neighbor must be committed to working on a personal case management plan.
How many people in Blount County are unhoused and where do they come from?
Since 2012, Blount County United Way has led an annual “Point in Time” count of the unhoused in our community. This count is conducted by volunteers who work with local non-profits and Street Outreach Volunteers to identify our local homeless population. In January 2023, the Point in Time Count reported 409 persons experiencing homelessness in Blount County. Most are folks from Blount County who have hit a rough patch such as job loss, health problems, addiction, loss of a spouse, significant rent increase, etc. Many of them want to work. Having someone come alongside with specific resources can facilitate a move toward stability and self-sufficiency again.
Why does Blount County need another non-profit?
In 2012, United Way of Blount County initiated an annual count of citizens facing homelessness in Blount County. As a result, UW led in writing “A Community Response to Homelessness in Blount County Tennessee 2013-2023”, a ten-year plan endorsed by, Blount County Ecumenical Action Council, the Blount Chamber and officials from the governments of Blount County, Alcoa and Maryville. Progress was made on the plan, however, in 2020, UW determined that, in order to continue making progress on the ten-year plan, it would be necessary to establish a central non-profit agency charged with coordinating on-going efforts to address homelessness. “A Place to Stay” (APTS) is the culmination of this process. APTS seeks to network local churches, non-profits and other organizations that offer various kinds of support to our neighbors who are dealing with homelessness. In addition, APTS provides a “one-stop” service to connect Neighbors with local case management, service providers, resources and other forms of support.
Why does APTS have an office in the library?
At the request of the library staff, APTS staffs an office in the library to serve as a resource for families and individuals who come to the library seeking information on housing and other related needs. Library staff do not have the time or information required to assist these persons so APTS is available to assist when needed. APTS staff and volunteers conduct an assessment of needs and then refer Neighbors to appropriate community agencies and organizations for assistance.
How does the library provide for the safety and security of users?
The library follows strict protocols to assure the safety and well-being of all citizens who utilize the facility. No patron who interferes in any way with the safe and peaceful use of the library by fellow patrons is permitted to remain in the building. The library staff observe the strictest of safety protocols regarding cleanliness and do not permit patrons to bring an excess of personal belongings into the building. Anyone who violates these protocols is required to leave the facility immediately.
What is a "housing first" model of ministry?
When someone is experiencing homelessness, the primary focus of their time is centered about securing shelter. When someone has the security of a safe place to stay, other challenges are more likely to be addressed effectively. Housing may include transitional shelters, permanent supportive housing, and attainable permanent housing.
How can I support the work of APTS?
You can volunteer in a variety of ways. Click on How You Can Help above to learn more about volunteer opportunities and sign up.
You can contribute financially toward the work of APTS.
Click HERE to donate.
Who are our neighbors experiencing homelessness?
APTS serves Blount County residents (Neighbors) who are without housing or in unstable housing situations where homelessness is eminent. With a network of partners, the program assists single adults and couples as well as families with children and youth under the age of 18 who are primarily residents of Blount County.
Are homeless people allowed to stay overnight at the Blount County Public Library?
No. Persons who come to the library seeking housing and provided information about local housing options and are referred to case managers who can assist them in finding accommodations elsewhere.
What is “SOS Day”?
“SOS Day” stands for Street Outreach Services Day. APTS coordinates with local non-profits and caring volunteers in providing a day of resources and assistance for our neighbors who are unhoused and need access to services such as vaccinations, haircuts, showers, eyeglasses, hot meals and clothing. It is held once each quarter in a variety of locations.
What is it like to experience homelessness?
The experience of homelessness is different for everyone. If you’ve wondered how people find themselves experiencing homelessness there are resources to help others understand. Check out Bridges Out of Poverty offered the the Blount County United Way https://unitedwayblount.org/A.L.I.C.E. (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) https://unitedwayblount.org/meet-alice/, and see how you might face the challenge of limited income at www.playspent.org. Read some of the stories of our neighbors who have experienced homelessness.
Why is A Place to Stay PARTNERING to end homelessness in Blount County?
Blount County is a place where people can live and thrive, but there are neighbors all around us who are experiencing homelessness. In January 2023, a preliminary Point in Time Count reported over 409 persons experiencing homelessness in Blount County. The reasons our neighbors experience homelessness are many and varied including any life change which make housing no longer attainable including job loss, divorce or death of a spouse, rent increase or sales of rental properties, loss from natural disasters, medical bills, auto or home repair bills, disability, mental illness, substance use, incarceration, change in family status, and lack of affordable/attainable housing.
What does APTS provide for our neighbors experiencing homelessness?
- Mentoring/Life-Coaching: Provide care coordination to remove barriers to housing and empower neighbors to achieve self-sufficiency
- Support Services: Connect neighbors with community agencies to meet client needs
- Career Services: Creating sustainability through training and employment
The steps are:
- Personal Needs Assessment
- Together, Develop a Personal Action Plan
- Identify Resources/Support Network
- Assess and Monitor
- 12-Month Follow-Up Post Exit
Do you just give away motel stays?
No. APTS may provide a motel stay as part of a larger case management plan designed to help the Neighbor achieve long-term stability. In order to qualify for any such assistance, the Neighbor must be committed to working on a personal case management plan.
How many people in Blount County are unhoused and where do they come from?
Since 2012, Blount County United Way has led an annual “Point in Time” count of the unhoused in our community. This count is conducted by volunteers who work with local non-profits and Street Outreach Volunteers to identify our local homeless population. In January 2023, the Point in Time Count reported 409 persons experiencing homelessness in Blount County. Most are folks from Blount County who have hit a rough patch such as job loss, health problems, addiction, loss of a spouse, significant rent increase, etc. Many of them want to work. Having someone come alongside with specific resources can facilitate a move toward stability and self-sufficiency again.
Why does Blount County need another non-profit?
In 2012, United Way of Blount County initiated an annual count of citizens facing homelessness in Blount County. As a result, UW led in writing “A Community Response to Homelessness in Blount County Tennessee 2013-2023”, a ten-year plan endorsed by, Blount County Ecumenical Action Council, the Blount Chamber and officials from the governments of Blount County, Alcoa and Maryville. Progress was made on the plan, however, in 2020, UW determined that, in order to continue making progress on the ten-year plan, it would be necessary to establish a central non-profit agency charged with coordinating on-going efforts to address homelessness. “A Place to Stay” (APTS) is the culmination of this process. APTS seeks to network local churches, non-profits and other organizations that offer various kinds of support to our neighbors who are dealing with homelessness. In addition, APTS provides a “one-stop” service to connect Neighbors with local case management, service providers, resources and other forms of support.
Why does APTS have an office in the library?
At the request of the library staff, APTS staffs an office in the library to serve as a resource for families and individuals who come to the library seeking information on housing and other related needs. Library staff do not have the time or information required to assist these persons so APTS is available to assist when needed. APTS staff and volunteers conduct an assessment of needs and then refer Neighbors to appropriate community agencies and organizations for assistance.
How does the library provide for the safety and security of users?
The library follows strict protocols to assure the safety and well-being of all citizens who utilize the facility. No patron who interferes in any way with the safe and peaceful use of the library by fellow patrons is permitted to remain in the building. The library staff observe the strictest of safety protocols regarding cleanliness and do not permit patrons to bring an excess of personal belongings into the building. Anyone who violates these protocols is required to leave the facility immediately.
What is a "housing first" model of ministry?
When someone is experiencing homelessness, the primary focus of their time is centered about securing shelter. When someone has the security of a safe place to stay, other challenges are more likely to be addressed effectively. Housing may include transitional shelters, permanent supportive housing, and attainable permanent housing.
How can I support the work of APTS?
You can volunteer in a variety of ways. Click on How You Can Help above to learn more about volunteer opportunities and sign up.
You can contribute financially toward the work of APTS.
Click HERE to donate.
Who are our neighbors experiencing homelessness?
APTS serves Blount County residents (Neighbors) who are without housing or in unstable housing situations where homelessness is eminent. With a network of partners, the program assists single adults and couples as well as families with children and youth under the age of 18 who are primarily residents of Blount County.
Are homeless people allowed to stay overnight at the Blount County Public Library?
No. Persons who come to the library seeking housing and provided information about local housing options and are referred to case managers who can assist them in finding accommodations elsewhere.
What is “SOS Day”?
“SOS Day” stands for Street Outreach Services Day. APTS coordinates with local non-profits and caring volunteers in providing a day of resources and assistance for our neighbors who are unhoused and need access to services such as vaccinations, haircuts, showers, eyeglasses, hot meals and clothing. It is held once each quarter in a variety of locations.
What is it like to experience homelessness?
The experience of homelessness is different for everyone. If you’ve wondered how people find themselves experiencing homelessness there are resources to help others understand. Check out Bridges Out of Poverty offered the the Blount County United Way https://unitedwayblount.org/A.L.I.C.E. (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) https://unitedwayblount.org/meet-alice/, and see how you might face the challenge of limited income at www.playspent.org. Read some of the stories of our neighbors who have experienced homelessness.
