Kingsport organizations adjust to meet homeless needs

KINGSPORT — Kingsport shelters and nonprofits are working to meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness as the cold winter months arrive. That includes increasing shelter capacity and providing winter supplies to ensure people stay warm and fed. Capt. Crystal Radi of the Salvation Army said winter shelter availability can change by the hour. "It's really touch and go when it starts to get cold out," Radi said. "I can't always say, 'Yes, I have a bed available,' because at 4 o'clock people can come in and fill it up." The organization operates 15 beds for men, 15 for women and two family units that hold up to five people each. The men's side stays full, Radi said, while the women's side "usually has a couple beds available," but not for long. When temperatures fall below 35 degrees, the shelter activates its white flag protocol, converting the dining room into a temporary warming space with additional mattresses. "We can bed up to 25 right now whenever the temperatures drop," Radi said. Along with shelter, Radi said the organization has seen "an influx of people asking for food," partly due to the recent government shutdown that temporarily halted SNAP benefits. The soup kitchen now serves between 100 and 150 meals a day. Hope Haven Ministries has seen similar pressure — not just in winter, but throughout the year. Executive Director Joel Trigg said the organization has served 63% more individuals than it did in all of last year, making 2025 one of its busiest years on record. "The numbers speak for themselves," Trigg said. "We're serving dramatically more people, and that increases everything — meals, utilities, the length of time people stay with us." Shelters that once regularly turned over beds are now full for months at a time. Hope Haven's 20-bed men's shelter has been full nearly all year, while the women and children's 10-bed shelter stays close to capacity, Trigg said. One of the most significant shifts has been the rise in elderly residents. "We're serving more seniors than we ever have," Trigg said. "When housing costs go up, they're the ones on fixed incomes who just can't keep up." Many older adults describe being priced out of longtime apartments as properties are renovated and rents increase, he said. In response, Hope Haven converted 10 beds into mobility-accessible spaces, with five reserved for individuals who use walkers, canes or cannot climb stairs. "Those beds stay full," Trigg said. "When one person leaves, another comes right behind them." Winter needs As more people enter shelters or remain outdoors, immediate seasonal needs continue to climb. "Chapstick is huge," Radi said. "And really, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, usually travel sizes because they can't carry the big ones. Hot hands are also a big deal." The Salvation Army provides coats through its thrift store, along with donated blankets, gloves, hats and occasional sleeping bags. Radi said 20 to 30 people a month request winter supplies. Hope Haven reports similar needs. Trigg said many individuals need receive clothing, hygiene kits and regular meals. "We go through about 300 rolls of toilet paper a month," he said. Laundry detergent, hygiene kits and basic toiletries remain in constant demand. At Shades of Grace United Methodist Church, Pastor Will Shewey said clean, used coats, gloves and blankets are essential. "We could really use some good used coats," Shewey said. "We have a lot of people needing those." Meeting needs Another need among Kingsport shelters and nonprofits is getting enough volunteers. Radi said the Salvation Army urgently needs help monitoring white flag nights and filling shifts for the Red Kettle Campaign. "We haven't even been able to fill 25% of our locations this year," she said. "If that doesn't do well, it can really set us back." The Red Kettle campaign, the organization's largest fundraiser, supports year-round programs including social services, case management and emergency shelter. "A lot of people don't realize that the Red Kettle campaign helps us keep our doors open all year," Radi said. "It's not just for Christmas, it helps us continue to serve the community, provide shelter and meet people's deeper needs." Hope Haven is facing its own challenges. The organization recently lost eight senior volunteers after a federal employment program was furloughed nationwide. "That program has really helped us over the years, and right now it's on hold," Trigg said. "We're down those volunteers, and we feel it." Pastor Will Shewey at Shades of Grace said one unmet gap in the community is mental-health follow-up. "We know there is mental health help available," he said "Getting a person into their initial visit is not a problem. But getting them to follow up and continue treatment, that's the issue." Shewey said the majority of people the church serves have either mental health issues or addiction issues. "And those two things feed on each other, without a doubt," he said. Shades of Grace is funded entirely through offerings, usually through the church's congregation. Some of the church's most recent needs includes volunteers, donations and prayers. "We always appreciate prayers for us. When people ask how they can help, we say 'pray for us' first, because we do trust God," Shewey said. "Right now we're focused on helping our community and meeting needs. If someone donates, everything goes 100% to the services that we provide."