May 18, 2013
A Local 8 Weather Alert has been issued for today. Because of the threat of rain, thunder and even hail, outdoor activities may be disrupted or inconvenienced. What's going on? An upper-level low will be moving across East Tennessee today, creating a more unstable atmosphere.
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. (AP) -- Carson-Newman College's homeless shelter for women and families is moving to a brand new facility next month, thanks to the generous support of community members.
The Knoxville News Sentinel reports the Samaritan House was built for about $950,000, roughly half of what it would have cost without donations of labor and materials.
The 12,600-square-foot building will replace a 1920s-era converted home. The new space includes a bunk room for single women and several two-bedroom suits for families.
The shelter is operated by the college's Appalachian Outreach ministry. Director Jean-Ann Washam said the building was designed to better serve homeless families, whom many shelters cannot house.
Shelter residents can stay up to 45 days. They must get a job and save money toward a deposit on an apartment and utilities.
