By Elaine Davis
The NKBPA is prioritizing the issue of homelessness in the North Knoxville community in 2020. This month will kick-off a speaker series on homelessness to help the business and professional community in North Knoxville become more educated about the issue. NKBPA member, Dr. Bruce Spangler, CEO of Volunteer Ministry Center, was the guest speaker this month.

The Volunteer Ministry’s mission is to prevent and end homelessness. Dr. Spangler highlighted various programs from the Bush Family Refuge, Resource Center, Dental Clinic, Street Outreach, and Minvilla Manor. Several North Knox BPA members emphasized the benefits of permanent supportive housing. Financial savings are realized by securing housing for the homeless versus incarceration costs. While saving taxpayers money is important most in attendance agreed that the moral and ethical obligations outweigh those costs.

On 03/25/2020, North Knox BPA is hosting Happy Hour benefiting Care Cuts at Elst Brewing Company, 2419 North Central Street from 5:30-7:30 p.m.