KARM is fueled by volunteers.

Volunteering at KARM means more than just giving your time. It means feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, cherishing the forgotten, and sharing the love of Christ. Come use your God-given gifts to serve the most vulnerable in our community. You will build great relationships with our guests, work as a team with other volunteers, and make a difference in the Knoxville community.

KARM provides over 50 different opportunities for you to serve throughout our ministry. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Click the button below to begin your journey to serve as a volunteer at KARM.

Celia Lively

Sr. Director of Community Engagement
865-633-7674, clively@karm.org

Brady Denney

Volunteer Coordinator
865-705-7335, bdenney@karm.org

Mark Roberts

Director of Volunteer Relations
865-633-7673, mroberts@karm.org

David Whittle

Volunteer Coordinator
865-673-6540 ext. 400, dwhittle@karm.org

Frequently Asked Questions

There are many ways to partner with KARM to serve our guests. Short-term opportunities include serving a meal, participating in a special event, serving in the concession stand and more. You can serve as an individual or bring your group!

For those wanting a deeper commitment, many ongoing ministry opportunities exist such as mentors, front desk, facilitators, teachers, and administrative support.

Whether you serve at an event once a year or serve our guests weekly or monthly, God can use you to make an eternal difference in their lives! Every interaction with guests is critical. Every smile, prayer, phone call, transport is an opportunity to plant a seed and rekindle hope.

⚠️ Our volunteer database is currently under construction. It will be up & running again shortly. In the meantime, if you’d like to begin your volunteer journey or come take a tour of our main campus, please email Mark Roberts at mroberts@karm.org.

Our address is 418 N. Broadway, Knoxville, TN, 37917. Designated parking for staff and volunteers is under the bridge, in the black fenced-in area. Once you arrive, you’ll see the sign for parking.

Check out this short video for instructions on directions, parking, and entering the building.

When we enter someone else’s home or business, it’s important to dress in a way that respects the guidelines of that environment. KARM is home to many men and women, so when you visit KARM, you’re entering their home. To ensure the safest environment for everyone, it’s important to dress in a manner that shows respect for both our guests and volunteers. T-shirts and jeans are often the best choice. PLEASE, NO SHORT SHORTS OR TANK TOPS—a particularly important caution if you’re bringing a student or youth group. We ask you to wear closed-toed shoes and comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.

Thirteen (13) is the minimum age for short-term opportunities like serving a meal or participating in a group project. Volunteers under age 18 must serve with a chaperone and must have a signed parental permission and waiver form. Most volunteer opportunities are open to qualified men and women 18 years or older.

We have the perfect volunteer opportunity for younger children – Every Bed Every Day. For more information about EBED, email Celia at clively@karm.org.

Though connected, Knox Areas Rescue Ministries is different from KARM Stores. Knox Area Rescue Ministries is a Christ-centered rescue mission that provides rescue, recovery and restoration to many homeless women and men in Knoxville. KARM Stores is a Christian ministry that generates revenue for KARM through the sale of donated items.

To volunteer at KARM Stores, click here.

KARM Stores offers their own volunteer ministry opportunities. To explore volunteering at KARM Stores, click here.

 

We are unable to accommodate Court Ordered Community Service volunteers at Knox Area Rescue Ministries. However, KARM Stores may be able to accommodate this need. Please visit our KARM Stores Volunteer Page for more information on Court Ordered Community Service.