Early Days
Our ministry began on Christmas Day 2015 when Scott & Christine Maentz decided to serve sandwiches, donuts, fruit and coffee to their homeless neighbors who stay “under the bridge” on N. Broadway Ave in Knoxville. Scott is a member of the Knights of Columbus (a Catholic men’s organization), to whom he suggested that this become a monthly ministry activity for his local council. They agreed and the ministry quickly expanded to include dozens of volunteers from various parishes around Knoxville.
Looking for a New Home
When the area under the bridge was fenced by the railroad in early 2017, we began searching for a new home for our monthly ministry. Our friends at the Knox Area Rescue Ministries (KARM) graciously invited us to set up in their outdoor courtyard. We were thrilled to work with KARM and our relationship with them is outstanding. We experienced firsthand how God’s divine providence always provides for our needs.