WE MEET EVERY Sunday at 2pm in Market square

and 

EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 5.30PM UNDER THE BRIDGE between Blackstock Ave and North Broadway


guests are welcomed to attend 


​OUR POSITION

REJECTION OF STEREOTYPES
The KHC works to undermine the stereotypes and the myths that are often applied to the homeless population.  We affirm and promote the propagation of the individuality of every human being, particularly in regards to housing status.  This list is not exhaustive, but represents the most common stereotypes that are assigned to the homeless – stereotypes that often frustrate the efforts of those trying to transition out of homelessness.


  • The homeless are substance abusers
  • The homeless are criminals
  • The homeless are lazy
  • They are homeless by choice
  • The homeless are schemers
  • The homeless are dangerous 


ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF SYSTEMIC INJUSTICES
The KHC recognizes the existence of systemic injustices.  We reject the projected blame that is all too often adopted by the homeless that their predicament is no one’s fault but their own.  We affirm the inequalities in which one enters life as well as the inequalities of consequences that are faced for making bad decisions in life.

COMMITMENT TO ENGAGE IN THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS
The KHC is committed to working towards systemic changes through our democratic process.

ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE KNOXVILLE PLAN TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS
The KHC is committed to engaging in the implementation process of the Knoxville Plan to Address Homelessness.  We will champion the components and efforts that promote the best interests of the homeless population while reserving the right to constructively criticize those that do not.

PURSUIT AND DEFENSE OF RIGHTS
The KHC is not only committed to defending the current laws that defend and promote basic human rights, but is also committed to pursuing efforts to reduce and remove laws and regulations that reinforce the criminalization of homelessness.


  • Panhandling – The KHC defends the right to “panhandle” as protected by the First Amendment and as prescribed by the Knoxville City Ordinances.


  • Access to public space – The KHC supports civilians to have free access to public space.  Those without homes must have the right to exist in a public space without being criminalized.


  • Access to public resources


  • The KHC supports and defends the equal rights of all to access public resources regardless of their housing status.


  • Medical care – The KHC supports the right to emergency medical care without discrimination, and in particular without discrimination based on a person’s housing status.


  • The freedom from discrimination based on housing status, and profiling (appearance-based treatment).


  • Access to public restrooms.


  • The right to rest, sleep, or use for the purposes of shelter any motor vehicle provided that it is legally parked on public property.


  • The right to give and/or receive food or water, and the right to eat, share, and accept food and water in public spaces.


This version of the KHC Position Document was officially adopted by the

Knoxville Homeless Collective on April 18, 2014

The Knoxville Homeless Collective exists to protect and pursue the human and civil rights of those experiencing homelessness in Knoxville, Tennessee.  

​

We also work to bring about systemic changes on the city, state and national level to eradicate discrimination based on one's housing status.

Facilitated by The East Tennessee Peace & Justice Center, the KHC is a membership-based group consisting of representatives from the Knoxville homeless community. Organized, trained and mobilized by the ETP&JC, the KHC is an autonomous collective who determines their own objectives and the means by which they intend to achieve them.