The Knoxville Area Association of REALTORS prides itself on being involved in the East Tennessee community. June 4-10, 2023, the Association participated in eight different projects across Knox, Blount, and Loudon counties. Over 80 members and association staff contributed 322 hours of community service.

Sunday, June 4 – Open Streets Knoxville

This was the second year the Association had a tent at Open Streets. Both shifts of volunteers interacted with festival attendees by taking Polaroid photos, helping create picture frames, and discussing fair housing. This family event was a huge hit and we had an absolute blast interacting with the Knoxville community. There was one lady who was very happy to have her photo taken and took pride in decorating a frame for it. You see, she has been homeless for years, living at the local shelter and could not remember the last time she had her photo taken. She treasured that Polaroid and decorated foam frame so much. As an association, we are not only supporting those who have the privilege of purchasing a house, but we also care for those in our community who are less fortunate.

Monday, June 5 – Mission of Hope

Last year, our members packed hygiene packets at Mission of Hope for residents of the rural Appalachian Region. They enjoyed the mission and vision of Mission of Hope so much, that they requested to volunteer there again. This year, our members and staff packed over 1,000 medical bags. Amongst the items in the bags were ibuprofen, antibiotic ointment, and Band-Aids. These bags will be dispersed next month to needing individuals.

Tuesday, June 6 – Habitat for Humanity

The Association YPN group is very active and claims the Knoxville Habitat for Humanity build every year. With a crew of eleven, two exterior walls were completely framed and erected on the concrete foundation. Relators and brokers alike joined hands, picked up hammers, and worked together to build a home for a well deserving family.

Wednesday, June 7 – Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee

Many times, we take for granted the easy access we have to food. Most of us can drive to a store or restaurant and purchase more than we need. But there is a large population in the East Tennessee Appalachian Region that struggle with having food for their family. That is where Second Harvest Food Bank comes into play. Our volunteer crew had the opportunity to volunteer in the “clean room.” Pallets of fifteen different spices were donated by a manufacturer and it was our task to sort them and pack bags with each individual spice in them. These bags will be available for individuals and families in need to receive.

Thursday, June 8 – Young-Williams Animal Shelter

The Knoxville and East Tennessee communities are not only made up of adults and children, but also our four-legged friends! At Young-Williams, our crew of over twenty volunteers (both children and adults) made dog treats and cleaned kennels. We also had members Troop 20007, Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians join Association members and staff. They hand sowed 14 pet beds and donated them to the animal shelter.

Friday, June 9 – Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding (STAR)

There are times and situation in life where individuals need more than human interaction to process and heal. STAR’s mission is to foster achievement by providing therapeutic experiences using horse related activities for persons with disabilities or other special challenges. This 501(C)3 non-profit would not be able to fully function if it were not for volunteers who help maintain the building and stables. Our crew painted and weatherproofed pillars, stable walls, and mounting platforms.

Saturday, June 10 – SoKno Pride

From our members’ Code of Ethics, to our advocacy on Capitol Hill, and everywhere in between, we proudly stand with the LGBTQ+ community. Pride has a home here. Both shifts of volunteers interacted with festival attendees by taking Polaroid photos, helping create picture frames, giving out Association keychains and stickers, and discussing fair housing. Having a presence at SoKno Pride shows our members and the community that the Association supports ALL individuals and does not discriminate.

For well over a century, the Knoxville Area Association of REALTORS has served the real estate interests of our members and community. Being active in the community, supporting those with and without suitable housing, regardless of nationality, race, gender, or creed, is who we are. Realtors create and sustain community and it is our duty to invest in it.

For more information about the Knoxville Area Association of REALTORS and their involvement in the community, please contact

Jeff Fyke

Communications Director

Knoxville Area Association of REALTORS

609 Weisgarber Rd

Knoxville, TN 37919

865-335-9773 (cell)