Our Purpose:
Hi everyone! We are a student-led group from the University of Tennessee, and we partnered with the non-profit Volunteer Ministry Center (VMC) in Knoxville. In this partnership, we hope to support our homeless neighbors through supportive services and safe housing. We know housing is more than a roof; housing is the ticket to stability. Your donation will help VMC continue its “Opening Doors for a Better Tomorrow” mission by assisting individuals within our community and bringing opportunities to alter lives in Knoxville.
Our Blog:
The purpose of our blog is to share with all of you, what "home" means to each of us. Over the course of the next few weeks, each of us will be sharing our individual stories through different blog posts. The Volunteer Ministry Center strives to help their neighbors through so many different ways - including secure housing. A home is not just a house, dorm, or apartment - it's a place that provides comfort, stability, and memories. Our goal is to highlight the importance of having a home, what it means to us, and why it makes us so passionate about helping others find a home too.
Yuji:
Hi there, homeowners! Think about the sense of relief you get when you put your keys on the counter, take a deep breath, and walk through your front door at the end of the day, feels good right? With our campaign, Hearts for Housing, we hope to assist others in finding that same kind of home and comfort. We have partnered with the Volunteer Ministry Center (VMC) in Knoxville as a group of 5 UT students to help our homeless neighbors that are longing for the security of a home. A home is more than just a physical place, it's a place that makes you feel whole, secure, and comfortable. Even though we don't currently own a home, we know the comfort of having a place that is all yours. For us it's our tiny apartments or a dorm room filled with late-night snacks and posters and cheap decorations. Hearts for Housing is about using our enthusiasm and ingenuity to raise money and awareness for VMC's housing-first initiatives. Everyone deserves to experience the "I'm home" feeling that makes you smile and kick off your shoes. Thus, as you unwind on your recently mowed lawn or are wrapped up in your warm cozy bed, consider allowing someone else to feel the same happiness. One heart and one home at a time, we can open doors together.
Carter:
Hey everybody, my name is Carter Martin, and I am from Rocklin, California! I am a sophomore at the University of Tennessee studying both accounting and finance. When I am not in class or studying, you can typically find me on the lake fishing. I am on the University's bass fishing team, where I travel all across the country to compete in tournaments against anglers from other schools. I am very excited to see how our campaign performs over the next several weeks, as I love helping those in need.
Growing up, I never understood what it felt like to not have a roof over my head and food on the table. I always had a place to come home to, a warm meal, and a bed to sleep in every night. As I have grown older, I have realized that those can be considered luxuries to some people. Having a home is not just a building that you live in, but a place where you feel safe and comfortable. A home is somewhere you belong, where you are free to do whatever you wish.
Unfortunately, a lot of people in our community do not have that same sense of security that many of us do. Sadly enough, it is also something that we often overlook. People do not realize how hard it is to get a job or stay healthy, both physically and mentally, without a home of their own. That is why our campaign with the VMC is so important. They help people find housing and get the support that they need to start fresh and become stable. Our goal is to raise awareness to help change the lives of those in need. Everybody deserves a place to call home, and we want to help make that possible.
Jake:
A home is more than just walls and a roof. A home represents stability, comfort, and gives us a sense of control over our lives. For many, opening their front door brings a feeling of peace and relief from life's stresses. Home is where safety lives, where memories are held, and where people feel like they belong.
But for too many in the Knoxville community, “home” is still a dream. Volunteer Ministry Center believes that everyone deserves more than just shelter, they deserve a place to call home. Through outreach, compassion, and hard work, VMC makes these dreams come true for our homeless neighbors.
This blog is a space to reflect on what home really means and to invite you to be part of the journey toward hope and healing for the Knoxville community.
Ava:
Hi guys! My name is Ava Mentzer and I’m from Vienna, Virginia. I am a sophomore here at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, studying Business Analytics. I am so excited to be raising money for the Volunteer Ministry Center this semester! At home in Virginia, I love spending time with my family, friends, and my dog. My dog's name is Chip, and I love taking him on walks around my neighborhood with my friends. In Knoxville, I spend a lot of time with my three perfect roommates. We do just about everything together. Whether it's spending a fun day downtown or something as simple as a Sunday deep-clean reset of our apartment, we love spending time with each other. Over the course of the next few weeks, I can’t wait to share more about what home means to me through this blog, and to continue raising money and awareness for the Volunteer Ministry Center.
Adrianna:
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