Knox Area Rescue Ministries (KARM) is a Christian non-profit organization dedicated to serving the poor and homeless in the Knoxville, Tennessee area.
KARM was formally established on December 8, 1960, by five local pastors under the original name of Knoxville Union Rescue Mission. Recognizing the necessity for a permanent ministry effort to meet the needs of the growing population of the homeless in Knoxville, these men forged the vision as well as established the first ministry center located in the heart of the downtown area on Fifth Avenue.

In the passing of years the problem of homelessness in the greater Knoxville area became multifaceted and thereby more complex as an alarming number of homeless women now joined their male counterparts on the streets. The homeless population further increased as whole families found themselves impoverished, destitute and completely without hope or resource.

Today KARM is more equipped and better prepared than ever to fulfill its mandate "to seek to rescue the poor and needy in the Knox area by providing recovery services in Jesus' name".

Rescue and recovery services that provide emergency care, educational and vocational training, addiction and crisis intervention programs, as well as compassionate spiritual care are fully in operation and with impressive results.

In October 2008 KARM opened the "Crossroads Welcome Center". Crossroads is designed to be a starting point to help the homeless in the greater Knox area initiate the process of change in their homeless situation.

Through Crossroads the homeless have access to basic services such as showers, restrooms, laundry facilities, storage space for personal belongings, mail, fax, phone and internet services. Crossroads' staff and volunteers engage and build relationships with the homeless in order to establish trust, identify specific needs, and facilitate the helping and healing process.

Crossroads is a welcoming place for those who truly want help and are willing to take a challenging first step towards a new and better life.

KARM's VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT:

Volunteers are vital to the heartbeat of Knox Area Rescue Ministries. With the support of our dedicated volunteers, KARM can significantly effect change in the lifes of the destitute and homeless. By volunteering, you are part of the solution for homelessness and poverty right here in the Knox area.

We thank God for providing over 2,000 volunteers who ministered at KARM for a total of 12,391 hours in 2008!

Please call Katie Montgomery at (865) 633-7624 for more information on volunteering.

CONTACT: Angie Sledge at asledge@karm.org or 865-633-7643.