Council approves consolidated rezoning for CARM women‑and‑children campus

The Knoxville City Council voted Nov. 11 to consolidate and approve rezoning changes (items 13x, 13y and 13z) to clear the way for a new campus by Community Action & Resource Ministries (CARM) intended to serve women and children experiencing homelessness.

CARM board chair Ray Kielorowski described rapid increases in homelessness and a shifting population that now includes more women and children. Kielorowski said city point‑in‑time counts rose from about 800 people four years ago to roughly 2,200 this year, and that CARM currently provides 370 emergency beds and operates a large share of the city's shelter capacity.

Andrea Tate, who said she experienced homelessness and later lived in CARM programs, told council how residential services helped stabilize her family and allowed her to rejoin the workforce. Danita McCartney, CARM's president and CEO, described the proposed Women and Children's campus as a place for safe shelter, daily care, life‑skills classes and case management. She said CARM operates two off‑site locations for women and has a pilot program on Broadway that has generated positive results.

Councilmembers praised CARM's outreach to neighbors and noted the absence of organized opposition at the meeting. Councilmember McKenzie proposed, and the council approved, a motion to consolidate the related items; the consolidated motion carried. Supporters said the campus would expand capacity for women and children and provide long‑term services beyond emergency shelter.

Council directed staff to proceed with the consolidated approvals; next procedural steps will follow standard permitting and design reviews. CARM and councilmembers said they will continue neighborhood outreach during design and permitting.