KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — ReLAUNCH, a nonprofit dedicated to its goal of achieving functional zero homelessness in Knoxville, kept its doors open through the night amid freezing temperatures Sunday night. The organization is still waiting for approval to run a 24-hour operation, but is now able to open and sync with the warming center protocol.
“To provide the overnight shelter isn’t just a lovely thing — it is essential right now,” Linda Conaway, the nonprofit’s president, said. “It’s like watching your child sleep and knowing that they’re safe and secure and warm.”
The team of passionate individuals is working towards a 24/7 operation to help the unhoused population in downtown Knoxville. Conaway said a seasonal shelter is necessary for the unhoused community to succeed, and she, alongside her team, has hopes of that happening very soon. In the meantime, the shelter runs as a warming center during the day, where people can stop by, warm up, and take a shower if they need one…