Knoxville homeless veteran. Image by Knoxville Daily Sun staff

KNOXVILLE - The Salvation Army of Knoxville is strengthening how it serves veterans experiencing homelessness by improving connections to housing, benefits and support services.

According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, veterans represent five to six percent of people experiencing homelessness across the United States, however, veterans make up on average 12 to 15 percent of individuals served in the Salvation Army shelters in Knoxville. And while veteran homelessness has declined in recent years through coordinated efforts between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and its community partners, hundreds of veterans across Tennessee continue to experience housing instability—including many in the Knoxville community.

In response, The Salvation Army of Knoxville has introduced new tools and training to improve how quickly veterans are connected to VA benefits and services, including the SQUARES Veteran Eligibility Database. The organization is now an approved partner, helping reduce delays and improve coordination so veterans can more quickly access housing, health care and recovery services.

“This tool helps remove barriers that veterans often face when trying to access services,” said Program Manager Kent Jones. “By confirming eligibility more quickly, we can better coordinate care and ensure veterans receive the support they have earned.”

The Salvation Army of Knoxville continues to develop relationships with community partners to address veteran homelessness. Last year, the organization connected with the VA and other local agencies to host a coordinated “Surge” outreach event designed to identify and connect veterans with housing and support services. The organization maintains partnerships with groups such as Operation Vet Rescue, which helps connect veterans to longer-term housing options and bring their lived experience to serve veterans. Salvation Army staff and volunteers will also provide on-site volunteer support at the Hero’s Hill Challenge on March 21, supporting a broader community effort to address veteran homelessness in Knox County.

“Meeting the needs of veterans in our community takes both collaboration and investment,” said Kayla Klein, Director of Development. “As we work to expand housing and services, partnerships and community support will play a critical role in making that growth possible.”

In the Knoxville area, lack of affordable housing is a primary driver of homelessness, along with challenges such as mental health needs, substance use recovery and loss of income. These factors make it difficult for veterans to access and maintain stable housing.

The Salvation Army of Knoxville is focusing efforts on strengthening its approach to serving veterans through improved tools and community partnerships meant to expand veterans’ access to stable housing and support services. Efforts are also underway to pursue additional opportunities and secure the funding needed to increase housing and services for homeless veterans in the Knoxville area.

The Salvation Army has served communities across the Knoxville region for more than a century, providing emergency shelter, food assistance, youth programs, disaster response, Christmas assistance, and support services that help individuals and families rebuild their lives. All programs are funded locally and all funds raised locally stay local. For more information about The Salvation Army, Knoxville Area Command and its programs, visit SalvationArmyKnoxville.org.