BREAKING NEWS: Kim Cardwell Invests $3.6 Million to Transform Tennessee Home into Shelter for Homeless Youth
In a powerful act of compassion and community leadership, Kim Cardwell has made headlines with a transformative investment: $3.6 million committed to converting a private estate into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless youth in Tennessee.
The move comes at a critical time when homelessness among young people is on the rise nationwide — and Tennessee is no exception. Cardwell, a longtime advocate for youth empowerment, is stepping in not just with words, but with real action.
The shelter, which will be located in the heart of Knoxville, aims to provide more than just a roof. The facility is expected to offer counseling, education support, career training, and mental health services, creating a safe and supportive environment for teens and young adults who have fallen through the cracks.
“They’re not just homeless — they’re potential doctors, artists, teachers, leaders. They just need someone to believe in them,” Cardwell said in a statement released Tuesday.
The property — a sprawling, once-abandoned residence — will be fully renovated by late 2025. Once completed, it will house up to 40 young residents, with separate spaces for emergency housing, transitional programs, and long-term development.
Local officials have applauded the move, calling it a “game-changer” in the fight against youth homelessness in the region. Community members have already started volunteering their time and resources to assist with the renovation.
For Kim Cardwell, this isn’t just a one-time donation. It’s a call to action.
“We can’t wait for someone else to fix it. We are the someone,” she added.
The project will operate under the banner of a new initiative called “Roots Rebuilt”, a nonprofit branch of Cardwell’s philanthropic work, with future plans to expand the model across the state.
