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.
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.
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.