Tennessee Valley Coalition for the Homeless

Our Mission

We are a non-profit created to House the Homeless, Educate the Community, and Equip Stakeholders to provide lasting solutions to End Homelessness in our twelve county region, which includes Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Loudon, Monroe, Sevier, and Union.

OUR VISION

To create a region where HOMELESSNESS IS RARE and lasts less than 30 days. We believe that ALL INDIVIDUALS deserve access to safe, decent, and affordable housing.

OUR CORE VALUES

OUR PEOPLE

We meet people where they are, without judgment and condemnation, and ignore the stigmatism of homelessness.

CREATE LASTING CHANGE

We embrace change. We don’t accept the status quo. We dig deep to find and address root causes of homelessness.

BRIDGING THE GAP

We create win-win opportunities and seek lasting solutions to homelessness through education and resources throughout our region.

Our Core Programs

1 in 4 people live in conditions that harm their health, safety, prosperity, and opportunities. We’re on a mission to change that with these strategic initiatives.

Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH or “supportive housing”) is for people who need long-term housing assistance with supportive services in order to stay housed. Individuals and families living in supportive housing often have long histories of homelessness and face persistent obstacles to maintaining housing, such as serious mental illness, a substance use disorder, or a chronic medical problem. PSH programs allow people with one or more serious disabling conditions to stabilize their housing and receive treatment for their underlying conditions. The combination of housing and supportive services creates a synergy that allows tenants to progress toward recovery and independence.

Basic Requirements to Qualify for PSH

To be eligible for PSH, an individual must be:

Chronically Homeless (as defined by HUD)
Physically, Mentally, Developmentally, and/or Emotionally Disabled (as defined in Section 223 of the Social Security Act)

Street Outreach

TVCH’s Street Outreach program serves individuals and families experiencing unsheltered homelessness throughout East Tennessee by meeting people where they are. Outreach teams build relationships, provide essential supplies, and connect individuals to housing resources, healthcare, behavioral health services, identification assistance, benefits, and other critical community supports. Through consistent engagement and person-centered services, Street Outreach serves as the first step toward long-term housing stability.

Shower Trailer

The Mobile Shower Trailer expands access to hygiene services for individuals experiencing homelessness and those with limited access to basic necessities. Operating throughout East Tennessee, the trailer provides hot showers, clean clothing, hygiene supplies, and a welcoming environment where individuals can connect with outreach staff and community resources. More than a shower, the program serves as a trusted point of engagement that helps remove barriers to housing and supportive services.

Homeless Assistance Helpline

TVCH’s Homeless Assistance Helpline serves as a central point of contact for individuals and families seeking housing assistance and homelessness resources throughout East Tennessee. The helpline connects callers with emergency shelter, housing programs, Coordinated Entry, Street Outreach, and other community resources based on their unique needs and circumstances. By providing timely information, referrals, and support, the helpline helps individuals navigate available services and serves as an important first step toward achieving stable housing.

Need help or know someone who does? Call the TVCH Homeless Assistance Helpline at (888) 556-0791.

Coordinated Entry

Coordinated Entry is the standardized process used to connect individuals and families experiencing homelessness with housing and supportive services throughout our region. By providing a fair, consistent assessment of each household’s needs, the system helps prioritize available housing resources for those with the greatest barriers while ensuring every person has equitable access to assistance. Coordinated Entry strengthens collaboration among service providers and helps communities respond to homelessness more effectively.