At Pathways Shelter, hope is overcoming hopelessness.  People who come to Pathways without a home, without support and with no idea of how to face the challenges of the future, are given the help they need to rebuild their lives. Pathways seeks to aid homeless families and women by providing temporary shelter, food and a safe environment, by nurturing self-confidence and responsibility, and by leading people toward self-sufficiency through education.

Pathways opened in August, 1997 thanks to ecumenical volunteer efforts, in-kind donations and financial support from area churches, and sponsorship from Associated Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, Inc. Of the many families and individuals served, more than 60% have been able to  maintain permanent housing, and more than 55% are successfully employed.

Pathways is augmented by community financial support and services, and it receives state grant money for building projects, but donations are needed for operating expenses and programs.