"For I was hungry and you gave me food...

I was a stranger and you welcomed me."  
                             - Matthew 25:35

RESCUE + RELATIONSHIPS = RESTORATION

Knox Area Rescue Ministries provides daily for those most vulnerable and desperate among us, first supplying rescue services of food and shelter, then healthy, supportive relationships, and ultimately restoration, including job-training opportunities.

We believe that rescue begins when someone comes through our doors with all their brokenness on display. We then offer safe shelter, a warm meal, and overwhelming biblical hospitality.

When rescue is combined with the support and encouragement provided by healthy relationships that reflect the heart of Jesus - Jesus, who spent his earthly ministry investing in 12 individuals who in turn invested in others - then true restoration can occur...restoration to God, self, family, and community.

KARM serves nearly 1,000 meals per day, feeding not only the homeless, but many in crisis who must choose between food and other basic needs.

KARM's emergency and residential shelter for men, women and families are home to nearly 400 people each night, providing a safe place of encouragement to those in need.  

KARM's Crossroads Welcome Center is an innovative major resource for those caught in the cycle of homelessness,  providing direct access to a team of knowledgeable, loving staff and volunteers for help. It also provides services such as telephones, internet, job information boards,storage space, restrooms and appointment meeting space.

KARM's job training programs in food service through the Abundant Life Kitchens, and in janitorial services through Clean Start,  provide the skills to maintain steady employment and break the cycle of homelessness.

KARM's residential recovery programs help individuals confront the root causes of their homelessness and addictions.  During the biblically-based residential recovery training  participants receive spiritual support, case management and counseling, which help them build a relationship with the Master Healer and position them for success. 

KARM's LaunchPoint is a four-week program designed to help homeless men and women begin a new life journey.  Ultimately, LaunchPoint is about restoring hope - reconnecting the individual to the dreams that he or she once had but were lost when the individual's life path went off track.  During the four-week period, a class of 30 participants begin discovering God's plan and purpose for their lives, develop their own life plan with realistic goals, and learn to implement their life plan in manageable steps.

KARM's Thrift Stores provide employment, donation opportunities for individuals and churches, and offer gently used merchandise for sale throughout our area.  Revenue from donated goods sold at the KARM Thrift Stores is used to support the services at KARM.  There are currently 13 KARM Thrift Stores - eight in Knox County, two in Anderson County, and one store each in Blount County, Hamblen County, and Loudon County.

How can you help? 

KARM has both donation opportunities and volunteer opportunities.  Please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.