Hand UP for Women to Host Ribbon Cutting and Open House of New Property

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., December 21, 2023 — Knoxville non-profit, Hand UP for Women (HUFW) will host a ribbon cutting and open house on Friday, January 5, 2024 at 12 p.m. at 3811 Buffat Mill Road in Knoxville (Note: address not for public release to preserve the safety of residents.) The Knoxville Chamber of Commerce will lead the ribbon cutting. Hand UP for Women leaders and staff welcome state, county and city political leaders along with program instructors, mentors, volunteers, participants, graduates, donors and journalists. 

The non-profit women’s ministry moved to the 3.5-acre property in North Knoxville on Buffat Mill Road in November. The property is not a newly constructed home, but is new to the women’s ministry, especially for many participants who have never lived in a pastoral setting. It boasts more than double the size of its former location on Fairview Street.

HUFW staff are grateful to see the program growing to serve even more women who are looking to rebuild their lives and become independent and financially sustainable providers for their families. This non-profit’s leaders envision this property allowing for future growth as well. The three upstairs bedrooms accommodating participants is just the start of a campus for women involved in or graduated from the program. Therefore, HUFW is fixing a strong need in the Knox County community directly helping these women who are looking for affordable housing options in a safe and healthy environment.

An investor, who has asked to remain anonymous, purchased both the current location at Fairview Street and the new property at Buffat Mill Road. The anonymous investor also provided an interest-free loan to the nonprofit organization on the remaining $425,000 balance, making it financially feasible for the organization to expand and serve more women.

About the Buffat Mill Property:

• 3,700 square feet
• Rural and serene setting
• Will accommodate up to 25 women, 10 more than the program’s former location could serve
• Plans to add additional apartments, office space and classroom meeting space

“We want to celebrate with many people who made this possible. From our anonymous donor, to our corporate sponsors who provided repairs and upgrades, to our loyal staff, instructors, volunteers and donors and of course the ladies we’ve served and continue to serve,” Executive Director, Eva Pierce said, “This is an historic day for Hand UP for Women as we welcome the community to our new home and classroom space. I have said this many times that having the opportunity to move to this new location is one of our biggest answered prayers.”

Hand UP for Women leaders will also be announcing the new name of this house at the event. Right now, participants, graduates and volunteers are suggesting names staff will choose at the end of December.

Please let us know if you or someone from your team plans to attend.

Assets:

• Drone Footage (special thanks to Barefoot Media)
• Pictures

About Hand UP for Women

Hand Up for Women is a life-management and career-readiness ministry that brings dignity, self-confidence and hope to women who might otherwise remain trapped in addiction, abuse, poverty, and despair. It provides long-term, healthy friendships, and a year-long series of twice-weekly classes that teach women to realize their full potential in every area of life. Because of the long-term investment in their lives made by all those involved in Hand UP for Women, participants find and own the personal strength and courage to achieve self-reliance helping them become who God created them to be.