Mission
In 2021, we have shifted our mission focus. John 316 Outreach will open as a Church and Resource Center to meet the needs of our community. 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
Maryville First Methodist
New Providence Presbyterian
St Paul AME Zion
Monte Vista Baptist
Our Lady of Fatima
Highland Presbyterian
Faith Promise
Roane State Community College
Fairview Methodist
Maryville First Baptist
Foothills Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Saint Andrews Episcopal
Maryville College Community Engaged Scholars
....and many many other individuals helping independently
In 2021, we shifted our mission focus with an eye to the future.
We purchased a former sign company at 1414 Jefferson, with plans to renovate the building to provide more consistent services.
When the transformation is complete, we plan to offer a hot evening meal and overnight shelter all winter nights.
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 316 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.