About Us

In early 2018, a United Way sponsored forum led to filling an unmet need for our homeless citizens - a Warming center in Blount County.   

First Baptist Church of Maryville graciously shared their Life Center with us, allowing us to feed and serve as an emergency shelter for our homeless when temperatures were unsafe for sleeping outside.  Many local individuals, churches, and mission efforts joined us to make this happen. 

Warming Shelter Volunteer Churches and Programs

In 2021, we shifted our mission focus with an eye to the future. 

We purchased a building at 1414 Jefferson, with plans to renovate the building to provide consistent services throughout the year. 

When the transformation is complete, we plan to offer a resource day center at this location. 

All year, we plan to offer: 

• Bathrooms with showers

• Laundry facilities

• Lockers to store a few personal items

• Mailing address

• Church services with area guest pastor to share God's words

• Opportunities for Bible studies

• Counseling

• Other small group sessions 

We will partner with churches, businesses, and individuals who see the need and have a heart for our homeless. 

Our experience with operating the Warming Shelter has shown us that many in Blount County want to do something to help care for our neighbors who live outside. 

It's just difficult to know how to do that, particularly as individuals. 

The intent and the mission of John 3:16 Outreach Ministry is to provide a venue for individuals to work together to provide basic human and spiritual needs for those who would otherwise be overlooked.