Welcome
Together We Can Make A Difference
In order to THRIVE, humans must, first, SURVIVE!
About ReLAUNCH
Our Mission
We are committed to bridging the gaps in our social system and breaking the cycle of chronic homelessness, in which crime and addiction go hand-in-hand. Installing comprehensive low-barrier shelters is paramount for individuals accessing critical resources.
A low-barrier shelter is a homeless shelter that aims to be accessible and inclusive, to our most vulnerable population by reducing barriers:
- Eliminating barriers: Low-barrier shelters remove or minimize requirements that can make it difficult to access shelter, such as sobriety requirements, income requirements, and extensive intake processes.
- Providing a safe environment: Low-barrier shelters provide a safe and supportive environment where people can address issues like substance use. They may have policies in place to prevent overdoses, such as providing naloxone and overdose response training.
- Being open 24/7: Low-barrier shelters are open 24/7 to provide immediate access to shelter.
- Being pet-friendly: Some low-barrier shelters allow residents to bring their pets.
- Limiting requirements: Low-barrier shelters are different from high-barrier shelters, which may have requirements like sobriety, curfews, religious affiliation/attendance, and program participation.
How did we get here?
- SHELTER, for people experiencing homelessness, is one of Knoxville's most basic and unmet needs.
- Our current social system has gaps which prevent the successful reintegration of adults coming out of recovery and incarceration.
- This gap leads to greater risk of chronic homelessness and reoccurrence of addiction and crime.
- Without a low-barrier shelter to usher individuals off the street, VITAL and AVAILABLE resources are out of reach.
WHO ARE WE?
- We are a team of passionate individuals who have watched addiction ravage lives.
- We have lost precious humans who didn't make it through our failing system.
- We have experienced what it takes to recover and how to help others recover.
- We have witnessed the power of addicts helping addicts.
- WE DON'T ACCEPT OUR CURRENT REALITY!