Elizabeths Homes

Transitional Supportive Housing

Elizabeth’s Homes assists families in the transition from homelessness, enabling them to live as independently as possible through the provision of supportive housing. The program was named in honor of the late Mercy Sister Elizabeth Riney (1928-2001), an advocate for the poor and a role model for the Knoxville community.

How the program works

Elizabeth's Homes can accommodate up to eight (8) families, providing housing in apartments and single-family homes scattered throughout the Knoxville area. Through lease agreements supported by the program, families are able to live on their own and learn to maintain a home. The length of stay for residents is up to 24 months, with Catholic Charities providing rent assistance to each of the eight families for the two-year period. The goal of this transitional housing is to facilitate the movement of the families to permanent housing.

Accessing permanent housing

Within the 24-month transitional period the residents either gain employment or complete training/school in order to ensure continued stability for their families. They develop a plan in which they will be able to continue to rent or own using their own funds.

Self-Sufficiency

In order to foster the families in their ability to budget future housing costs, 30 percent of the families' monthly income is collected for investment in their future. This money is applied toward such need as family debt, a savings account for future permanent housing costs, and costs incurred during the time in the program.