KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Knoxville could have fewer emergency shelter spaces available for people experiencing homelessness when temperatures drop this winter after the Salvation Army decided not to renew its lease for a building operated by ReLAUNCH as a seasonal shelter.
The Salvation Army says limited funding, building issues and a shift toward supporting its existing year-round programs led to the decision. ReLAUNCH says it understands the organization’s priorities but believes the seasonal shelter continues to fill a critical need and is willing to raise money to keep the space available for at least one more winter.
Last winter, ReLAUNCH leased the building near the Salvation Army campus and operated it around the clock during the latter part of December, January, and February…