The Knoxville City Council has decided to lock in nearly $5 million in federal funds on Tuesday, aiming directly to keep people in their homes and sharply reduce the risk of homelessness. These funds will be directed towards essential home repairs and bolstering eviction prevention measures, looking to help some 300 low-income residents, according to a report from the official website of the City of Knoxville.
Targeting the critical need for housing stability, the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee will receive $475,000 to help provide minor home repairs primarily for elder residents and those with disabilities—aiming to directly improve the habitability and safety of their living spaces. These repairs will cover urgent health and safety concerns, including fixing structural issues and key systems such as plumbing and HVAC, and are projected to serve around 48 households.
To combat lead poisoning and improve public health, the Council has also dedicated a substantial $4.08 million over five years for the Lead Safe & Healthy Homes Program (LSHHP). This initiative focuses on eradicating lead-based paint hazards in homes dating before 1978, with a special focus on spaces occupied by or frequently visited by children aged 6 and below. In its last cycle, the program assessed 160 houses, treated 126 units, and trained 238 individuals in lead abatement, which illustrates the program's impact on the community's health and safety.
Moreover, $25,000 will be allocated to The East Tennessee Community Design Center for design and technical assistance, enhancing support for local nonprofit organizations, neighborhoods, and government entities in low-income areas. Legal Aid of East Tennessee is poised to also receive $50,000—a slice of its $100,000 commitment for the fiscal year—to dedicate themselves to address unlawful evictions and unfair housing practices, expected to help keep around 53 individuals in their homes, as per the obtained information.
The Neighborhood Housing Inc's Operation Backyard initiative has also been granted $385,260 to leverage volunteer workforces to make essential home repairs and accessibility modifications, focusing on low- and moderate-income households. This is set to positively impact approximately 70 households that include elderly individuals or people with disabilities.
In a broader urban planning initiative, the second phase of the Pleasant Ridge Road improvements in Council District 3 was given the green light, with an $18.9 million investment. This project promises the addition of turn lanes, sidewalks, a 1.25-mile greenway, and utility upgrades. Charles Blalock & Sons have been contracted for the job, with Johnson Mirmiran & Thompson on call for construction engineering and inspection services. With the start set for this fall and expected to wrap by the end of 2027, a public meeting to discuss the project's details will be announced in August this year.
