The Homeward Podcast

Wheeler MissionWheeler HistoryKARM Matthew 26:11Homelessness on a National LevelHomelessness Trends 2025KARM GardenPrayer: EBED CardsCityGate DC Forum 2026Emmy Award Winning DocumentaryTake a Tour of KARMPrograms Overview at KARMClick “What We Do” then click each programSticky Notes:It's about Education. You have to know more about what is going on in the community and what homelessness is. It's too easy to sit in comfort to not know, but we need to know so we can be apart of the solution. Look at what rescue missions in your area are actually doing.Homelessness can happen to anybody, we should understand that and recognize that.Follow Us on Socials: InstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInInterested in learning more about us? Please visit karm.org or reach out to Celia at [email protected] today!

Carlos WhittakerBurn The Blueprint BookHow to Human BookRyan DowdPantsuit Politics PodcastI Think You're Wrong, but I'm ListeningDefinition of NeighborMr. RogersActs 8CityGate DC Forum 2026Emmy Award Winning DocumentaryTake a Tour of KARMPrograms Overview at KARMClick “What We Do” then click each programSticky Notes:Don't stand on issues, walk with people.Follow Us on Socials: InstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInInterested in learning more about us? Please visit karm.org or reach out to Celia at [email protected] today!

Mentions:New Program Model Information: Out April 6KARM 2026 DataEpisode 10: Homelessness On A National Level Care CoordinationChronic Homelessness DefinitionGuest ServicesCherry Street MissionVMC AfterCareKARM WorksShelter Type Definitions Salvation Army KnoxvilleJohn M Perkins QuoteJohn M Perkins BooksCityGate DC Forum 2026Emmy Award Winning DocumentaryTake a Tour of KARMPrograms Overview at KARMClick “What We Do” then click each programSticky Notes:We are creating a program model that is going to promote access to shelter, increase independency, and affirm people's dignity. Follow Us on Socials: InstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInInterested in learning more about us? Please visit karm.org or reach out to Celia at [email protected] today!

Mentions: CityGate DC Forum 2026Emmy Award Winning DocumentaryConversations on a BenchDocumentaryNew LifeSerenityTake a Tour of KARMPrograms Overview at KARMClick “What We Do” then click each programEpisode 10: Homelessness On A National Level Substance Abuse and Homelessness ArticleLocation Helps Recovery ArticleScripture About Sewing SeedsMen’s Recovery & Restoration Women’s Recovery & RestorationKARM’s Home Care ProgramKARM’s Aftercare ProgramSticky Notes:Watch our Emmy Award-winning documentary! There, you'll see John, a graduate from our New Life program, who we talked about in this episode!Follow Us on Socials: InstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInInterested in learning more about us? Please visit karm.org or reach out to Celia at [email protected] today!Interested in learning more about us? Please visit karm.org or reach out to Celia at [email protected] today!

A couple of weeks ago, we asked our social media followers to submit questions they had about KARM. In this episode, Celia sits down with KARM President & CEO, Danita McCartney, to answer all of those questions. Mentions: Emmy Award Winning DocumentaryNonprofit Day on the HillKARM’s Aftercare ProgramTwo Rivers ChurchEvery Bed Every Day (EBED Program)Volunteer at KARMTake a Tour of KARM KARM’s Home Care ProgramMen’s Recovery & Restoration Women’s Recovery & RestorationLook Up Your ShelterDenver Rescue MissionWheeler Rescue MissionPrograms Overview at KARMClick “What We Do” then click each program 2025 Annual Report with Financial & Program BreakdownsKARM StoresCatering & Food TruckListen to Episode 13 for Catering & Culinary DevelopmentCityGate DC Forum 2026US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)Episode 10: Homelessness On A National Level Episode 4: Developing High Impact Community PartnershipsEpisode 12: We Can Do This with Erin ReadChick-Fil-A PartnershipSticky Notes:Knowledge is power. Follow Us on Socials: InstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInInterested in learning more about us? Please visit karm.org or reach out to Celia at [email protected] today!

We’re talking everyone’s favorite topic today: food! Celia sits down with Arisa and Chris from KARM’s Culinary Team and they chat about favorite foods, working in a commercial kitchen, culinary development, catering, and more. Mentions: Abundant Life CateringAbundant Life Catering Facebook PageAbundant Life Catering InstagramAbundant Life Catering Email: [email protected] Urban Table Food TruckUrban Table Food Truck Facebook PageUrban Table Food Truck InstagramUrban Table Food Truck Email: [email protected] Springs Missions Conference KARM WorksEpisode 7: Guest DevelopmentCulinary Program Graduation ReelThe Humble HogSticky Notes:Believe in your team. Faith over fear. God sees your potential, even when you don’t. Follow Us on Socials: InstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInInterested in learning more about us? Please visit karm.org or reach out to Celia at [email protected] today!

No single agency by itself is going to solve homelessness. Collaboration is key. Celia is joined by Erin Read from the Knoxville-Knox County Office of Housing Stability and they talk teamwork, warming centers, and housing. Mentions: Knoxville-Knox County Office of Housing StabilityContinuum of CareKPD Community Partnership OfficersRapid Fire Definitions (listen to find out!): Coordinated EntryEmergency ShelterTransitional Programs & HousingPermanent Supportive HousingAftercare & Supportive ServicesKCDCUnderbuildingFirst Creek at AustinMixed-Income DevelopmentWarming CentersKnox County Grants & Community DevelopmentOnline TrainingMobile Meals, United Way, and UT AthleticsOperation Hero’s Hill*Note: this episode was recorded on January 16, 2026. Sticky Notes:Four words: We can do this!Follow Us on Socials: InstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInInterested in learning more about us? Please visit karm.org or reach out to Celia at [email protected] today!

Snow is great, but what happens to our neighbors experiencing homelessness? Listen as Celia & Andrew are talking about what winter is like in a homeless shelter. Mentions: Three Buckets:Emergency Shelter Capacity: ~440 beds in Knoxville, KARM has about 85% of thoseWinter Overflow at KARM: 40 additional beds in the chapel Warming Centers: community approach Knoxville HMIS DashboardWarming CentersReLaunchUnited WayMobile MealsAMRKnox Street Medicine OutreachKnoxville-Knox County Homeless CoalitionFig TreeMagnolia MinistriesKATFree rides to warming centersRed Flag at KARMKARM’s Needs ListHomeless Persons’ Memorial Service161 people died while unhoused this year - WBIR Coats for the Cold – 8100+ coats donated in 2025Volunteer at KARMTake a Tour of KARMKARM's frequently asked questions and numbersSticky Notes:Get involved!Follow Us on Socials: InstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInInterested in learning more about us? Please visit karm.org or reach out to Celia at [email protected] today!

Come take a listen as Celia and Todd Gilbert, KARM's Chief Operations Officer, discuss the latest trends, policy changes, and issues relating to homelessness on a national level. Mentions: Point in Time CountTodd’s third book – coming this spring! CityGate’s CEORyan Dowd De-Escalation TrainingCityGate DC ForumCityGate Issues and TrendsU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)HUD Continuum of Care (COC) ProgramNOFO Definition: Notice of Funding OpportunityFY2025 COC NOFONational Alliance to End Homelessness COC InformationFederal Funding ExplanationSupreme Court of the United States Grants Pass v. Johnson Knoxville Knox County Homeless CoalitionKnoxville HMIS DashboardTake a Tour of KARMKARM's frequently asked questions and numbersSticky Notes:Homelessness is so much more complicated that we can ever imagine. Be kind, be gracious. Get to know organizations in your city. Get involved. Follow Us on Socials: InstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInInterested in learning more about us? Please visit karm.org or reach out to Celia at [email protected] today!

Celia sits down with two members of KARM’s Health Services Team, Stephanie Pardue and Amanda Palmer. They discuss health care for our neighbors experiencing homelessness, and how KARM teams up with other services to provide the best care we can. Mentions: KARM’s Care CenterPartnership with Covenant Health Care & Trinity Health Foundation Learn more about Crisis InterventionSummit Medical Group Opens at KARMSummit Medical GroupKnox County Health DepartmentEpisode 4: Developing High Impact Community PartnershipsRemote Area Medical (RAM)West CarePeninsulaSamaritanLMUSouth CollegeUT DNPHomeCare ExpansionReferralsADLs – Activities of Daily LivingRAM Dental ClinicTake a Tour of KARMVolunteer at KARMSticky Notes:Be part of the solution. “To the world, you may be one person. To one person, you may be the world.” Kindness could save someone’s life. Follow Us on Socials: InstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInInterested in learning more about us? Please visit karm.org or reach out to Celia at [email protected] today!

Celia is joined by Amos Dugger and Katie Hicks from KARM’s Housing Navigation and Aftercare teams to discuss the roles they play in helping guests find housing, then walking with them as they move out of KARM. Mentions: Crossroads Resource CenterAftercareCHAMPKCDCRapid RehousingCare CenterKARM WorksNew LifeKARM Celebrates Largest Move Out in HistoryKARM’s Needs List4 S’s of Success: Stable Skilled Social Support SettledTwo Rivers ChurchCagle Terrace19 Eviction Preventions (so far in 2025!)Minvilla ManorFISH Hospitality PantriesSecond Harvest East TNEpisode 4 of The Homeward Podcast: High Impact Community PartnershipsTake a Tour of KARMVolunteer at KARMSticky Notes:Come volunteer at KARM! There’s tons of different ways you can get involved here. Get involved. Be a good neighbor. Be somebody's friend. Follow Us on Socials: InstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInInterested in learning more about us? Please visit karm.org or reach out to Celia at [email protected] today!

Celia is joined by Jeremy Thornburg and Crystal Carringer from KARM’s Guest Development team to discuss the roles they play in equipping our guests for future success. If you’re a local business and want to get involved in our guest development program, reach out today! Mentions: Job TrainingSoft SkillsLaunchPointAbundant Life Kitchen: 10 weeksClean Start: 4 weeksHBI – Construction: 5 monthsAM Liftoff & Catechisms American Job CenterVocational RehabHumble HogSpaces in the CityAftercareTake a Tour of KARMVolunteer at KARMEmail Crystal: [email protected] Jeremy: [email protected] Notes:Transformation takes time. It starts with saying “yes”. Relational ministry is the secret sauce. Follow Us on Socials: InstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInInterested in learning more about us? Please visit karm.org or reach out to Celia at [email protected] today!

Celia chats with Mark Roberts and Brady Denney from KARM’s Volunteer Department about volunteering, what it means to be a volunteer, and how you can get involved. Mentions: Take a Tour of KARMVolunteer at KARMChurch PartnersCorners of Your FieldEventsCorporate EngagementHealth Benefits of VolunteeringCommunity Benefits of VolunteeringThe Way ChurchVolunteer on Thanksgiving Sticky Notes:Take the first step. Ask questions. Take a tour. Get involved. Follow Us on Socials: InstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInInterested in learning more about us? Please visit karm.org or reach out to Celia at [email protected] today!

Celia chats with Cory Carmichael and Josh Lively from KARM Stores. Listen to learn about the annual coat drive and how to become a Corners Of Your Field partner! Mentions: Take a Tour of KARMTop Workplaces with USA TodayCoats for the ColdCollection is October 20-November 7Distribution is November 17-December 6Corners Of Your FieldFind a KARM Store Near YouSticky Notes: KARM Stores genuinely wants to help the community. Learn KARM's story. Follow Us on Socials: InstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInInterested in learning more about us? Please visit karm.org or reach out to Celia at [email protected] today!

Come take a listen to a fun conversation with KARM's Director of Women's Care Coordination, Morgan Hays, as she and Celia discuss our approach to developing effective community partnerships!  Mentions: Take a Tour of KARMKARM's Care CoordinationFig TreeYouth Wins & CACMobile Mentor Volunteering at KARMGrow Free TNSticky Note:We are in this together. There is peace and community built when we are a unified front. Follow Us on Socials: InstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInInterested in learning more about us? Please visit karm.org or reach out to Celia at [email protected] today!

Come take a listen to a fantastic interview with Andrew Mosley. Andrew is a vital part of KARM's Guest Development Team and gives insights on his journey to where he is right now!  Mentions: Take a Tour of KARMKARM's Guest DevelopmentKARM's LaunchPoint ProgramKARM's New Life ProgramVolunteering at KARMSticky Note:Hearing that someone believes you in matters. Follow Us on Socials: InstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInInterested in learning more about us? Please visit karm.org or reach out to Celia at [email protected] today!

Come take a listen to KARM's Chief Operations Officer, Todd Gilbert, and KARM's Vice President of Programs, Andrew Church, as they discuss the latest trends that relate to homelessness and how we address it.  Mentions: Take a Tour of KARMKARM's frequently asked questions and numbersKnoxville Knox County Homeless CoalitionKnoxville HMIS DashboardIsolation & LonelinessTrauma to Isolation CorrelationTrauma in the BrainKARM's Care CenterKARM's Guest DevelopmentKARM's AfterCareNIMBYismOffice of Housing StabilityTwo Rivers ChurchMemorial Service for the HomelessSticky Notes:Seek information. Ask the "did you know" questions to learn what's happening in your community. Educate yourself, then get involved. Follow Us on Socials: InstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInInterested in learning more about us? Please visit karm.org or reach out to Celia at [email protected] today!

Come take a listen to the inaugural episode of The Homeward Podcast.  We'll give a complete breakdown of all things we hope to share and jump into.  We hope you will leave encouraged and challenged as we strive to impact the lives of the homeless.   Interested in learning more about us? Please visit karm.org or reach out to Celia at [email protected] today!