About TORCH

This program was created with the realization that many times simple things such as access to $12 for a photo ID for clients becomes a large barrier. This program operates with DONATIONS only. This program works collectively with other agencies to meet unmet needs of clients—that left unmet would inhibit the client’s progress toward self-sufficiency.

This program works directly with case managers, managers, and directors of other programs. A request from an agency/organization for a specific need can be made by emailing Andy Oquinn with a detailed story of the need and request. Many times TORCH uses grassroots efforts to have these needs met by citizens in the community, local churches, etc.

The Emergency Shelter Grants Program was established by the Homeless Housing Act of 1986 in response to the growing issue of homelessness in the United States. We are using these funds to assist clients who are literally homeless.

Who is literally Homeless?

We use HUD’s (Housing and Urban Development) definitions of homelessness. Individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, meaning:

Has a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not meant for human habitation;

Is living in a publicly or privately operated shelter designated to provide temporary living arrangements (including congregate shelters, transitional housing, and hotels and motels paid for by charitable organizations or by federal, state and local government programs);

Is exiting an institution where (s)he has resided for 90 days or less and who resided in an emergency shelter or place not meant for human habitation immediately before entering that institution

We are currently working to come up with new ways to assist for those seeking emergency shelter. While we are making our best efforts to accommodate those in need, at this time Emergency Shelter is always in demand and very limited. If you are in need TORCH staff will try and assist you but please be aware that solutions are not always available and sometimes shelter outside of Anderson County must be sought. If you become homeless in Anderson County, are forced to seek shelter in a surrounding area, but are seeking to return to Anderson County TORCH can still try and assist you with your return to Anderson County.

The following is a list of emergency shelters:

Knox Area Rescue Ministries
(Accepts singles and families)
Address: 432 N Broadway Knoxville TN 37917
Phone: (865) 673-6540.

Salvation Army
(Accepts singles and families)
Address: 409 N Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917
Phone: (865) 525-9401

Family Promise of Knoxville
(Family Shelter. Families stay at churches. Must call for interview)
Address: 3545 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37921
Phone: (865) 584-2822

Family Promise of Blount County
(Family Shelter. Families stay at churches. Must call for interview)
Address: 1633 Louisville Rd, Alcoa, TN 37701
Phone: (865) 233-4737

YWCA of Knoxville
(Single women with income)
Address: 420 Clinch Ave
Phone: (865) 523-6126

SMARM
(Individuals and Families.)
Address: 230 Court Ave, Sevierville, TN 37862
Phone: (865) 908-3153

In 2021, TORCH acquired three housing units that had formerly been used as transitional housing, known as AGAPE House, and in 2022, broke ground on six additional units for what would later be called Bookhart village.

Together, these properties can provide housing for up to nine families at a time, which is up to 48 people. All units are built to blend in so that both the neighbors and the children that stay feel like each property is just another home in the neighborhood.

Agape House and Bookhart Village were completed in 2023 and have been praised by homeless advocates.

TORCH’s model places an emphasis on families with children and secures non-congregate shelters by placing these families into single-family housing that the non-profit owns. The Oak Ridge Housing Authority (ORHA) manages these facilities on TORCH’s behalf, which then allows TORCH case managers to devote more time to helping families find the assistance they need to secure permanent housing.

Most of TORCH’s families stay in the non-congregate unit for about six months. TORCH uses the waiting list for public housing as their measure for how long a family can stay in one of their units.

So, in 2024, TORCH is sharing its success so that other smaller communities with no central communal shelter can duplicate their “no child sleeps outside” concept and end the cycle of homelessness.

TORCH has come a long way from its humble beginnings but has grown to provide innovative strategies for helping the homeless overcome the structural issues they face.