KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — A public forum was held on Thursday night during Knoxville’s City Council meeting, allowing the community to let its voice be heard on several important issues such as homelessness and mental health.
“It’s time that the state and especially the cities need to step up and figure out a way to help fund our programs,” CEO of the YWCA of Knoxville Stephanie Burrage said.
Burrage and Kathryn Ellis were among those in attendance. Both have worked in the Knoxville community for years and were letting their voices be heard for victims of domestic violence.
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“Their homes and their households also have issues with mental health, substance abuse and one of the results of fleeing from a domestic violence situation is often, at least temporary, homelessness,” Ellis said.
Ellis is the executive director of the Knoxville Family Justice Center and said that homelessness stemming from domestic violence has been an issue for years, as she and other organizations often run out of space to house those who flee from abusive situations.