Opinion | Record set straight about homeless under bridge

Rare is the day when Knox Area Rescue Ministries does not receive comments — mostly negative or of surprise — regarding what has become an “out of control” and unacceptable situation downtown under the interstate on Broadway. The negative comments range from outright nasty with demands for us to “clean up our [expletive deleted] mess” across the street (next to Ray’s Market), to those of surprise when a person learns that KARM has no jurisdiction over the space. None. So let me set the record straight with four points, then some understanding:  

1. The area under the bridge is 100 percent controlled by the city and the Tennessee Department of Transportation. KARM has no authority in the space. 

2. People congregating under the bridge do not receive KARM services. Those individuals do not sleep at, eat at or receive any other program services. Not because we do not make them available, but because the majority are unwilling to comply with some reasonable behavior expectations, or cannot overcome the incredible peer pressure to “stay away from KARM.” Further, we do not permit someone to receive those services and continue living under the bridge. 

3. KARM, through our recently started CityNights outreach, offers limited services two nights per week — 9 p.m. to midnight — on our external courtyard, where only those under the bridge or on the streets can come into our courtyard in a controlled environment. We created and use this opportunity to engage in conversation that has led to the voluntary surrendering of dirty needles and requests to enter our programs.   

4. KARM submitted a remedial plan proposal to the city of Knoxville. We, too, deplore the conditions in every regard, and desire to take a lead in facilitating a remedy that benefits all stakeholders. While the city responded favorably to our proposal, which requires some resources and law enforcement cooperation, no visible action has occurred to date.  

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To aid your understanding: When area homeless camps were removed, Broadway became the new place to congregate, resulting, initially, in a handful of people lining Broadway — mostly sitting across the street from us — that steadily grew. When required to move by law enforcement, they went under the bridge, where they found open space, protection from the weather and the ability to live unchecked, except for an occasional city clean-up that cleared the area for a day. 

Undeniably, the area referenced is rife with problems for those camping there and for our city. However, solutions do exist, which we have proposed and are diligently pursuing.  

I realize KARM has many supporters and some detractors. To our supporters, thank you. For our detractors and neighbors who may not agree with our stance and approach, I welcome a conversation and extend an invitation to visit us. While you may still choose to disagree with us, at least it will not be for a lack of understanding the issues under the bridge. 

As the late Paul Harvey said, “And now you know the rest of the story.” 

Burt Rosen is president and CEO of Knox Area Rescue Ministries.