Why does Blount County need another non-profit?
In 2012, United Way of Blount County initiated an annual count of citizens facing homeless 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.
What is the mission of APTS?
The mission of APTS is to seek cooperative solutions to address homelessness. Within that overarching, mission, our goals are to:
Goal I: End homelessness in Blount County.
Goal 2: Increase public awareness of homelessness and engage the community in
finding solutions.
Goal 3: Establish and manage housing designed to move people from homelessness into
stable housing and self-sufficiency.
Who do you serve?
APTS serves Blount County residents (Neighbors) who are without housing or in unstable housing situations where homelessness is eminent. The program assists single adults and couples as well as families with children and youth under the age of 18.
What does APTS provide for these folks?
Street Outreach volunteers connect with the unhoused and provide them information on how contact APTS for the assistance they need in order to achieve stable housing and self-sufficiency. APTS staff and volunteers conduct a needs assessment and connect Neighbors with a case manager who helps them develop a plan for attaining housing, food, employment, transportation, healthcare and other critical support. Coaching and follow-up is offered to encourage and support Neighbors in fulfilling their plans and achieving self-sufficiency.
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.
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.
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 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 “Case Management” and how does it work?
Case management is when a Neighbor works consistently with a social worker or case manager to develop and implement a plan for achieving self-sufficiency. Professional Case Managers at the McNabb Center work closely with APTS to provide this service to those Neighbors who are ready to work consciously on a personal plan that includes goals and actions to achieve job readiness, employment, housing, transportation, health care, and other critical elements of long-term self-sufficiency. Once the plan is made, the Neighbor and Case Manager meet routinely to identify action steps and assure that progress is being made. APTS assists by providing financial assistance for costs such as drivers license fees, work clothes and other expenses to help the Neighbor become established in a job and permanent home.
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 assistance for folks who are unhoused and need access to services such as vaccinations, haircuts, showers, laundry, eyeglasses, hot meals and clothing. It is held approximately once each quarter in a variety of locations.
What is “Street Outreach” and who does it?
Street Outreach engages volunteers in efforts to locate and establish relationships with persons experiencing homelessness in Blount County. Faith communities and individuals come together in teams to routinely visit areas the unhoused typically frequent and offer weekly gatherings that may provide meals, hygiene kits and snack packs. Some who struggle with homelessness have experienced trauma or adverse events that make it difficult to trust others and enter into the work of becoming self-sufficient. Street Outreach is critical in building trusting relationships and connecting Neighbors to the support and valuable services in order to become self-sufficient.
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. The count typically identifies 200-300 folks who are unhoused each year. While the individuals change from year-to-year, the numbers tend to stay within this range. 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 self-sufficiency again.
How can I support the work of APTS?
- You can volunteer in a variety of ways. Click on How You Can Help above (https://www.aplacetostaybc.org/volunteer/) to learn more about volunteer opportunities and sign up.
- You can contribute financially toward the work of APTS. Click Give above (https://www.aplacetostaybc.org/donate/) to donate.
