Knoxville/Knox County Young Adult Action Board

TN-502 | Knoxville metro area | Ages: 18–25

About Our Local YAAB

The Knoxville/Knox County YAAB brings together youth and young adults with lived experience of homelessness to shape local policy, improve services, and connect with the statewide effort.

Lead Agency: City of Knoxville

Contact: Michael Dunthorn — mdunthorn@knoxvilletn.gov — 865-215-3103

Downtown Knoxville
Knoxville aerial view, 2024

What We Work On

  • Youth advocacy
  • Coordinated Entry feedback
  • System improvement
  • Outreach & engagement
  • Community education

Local Resources

Contact: 865-215-3103

Emergency Resources:

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
  • National Runaway Safeline: 1-800-786-2929
  • TDMHSAS Helpline: 1-800-560-5767
Knoxville sunset from Gay Street bridge
Springtime on Neyland Greenway, Knoxville

Meetings & Participation

Monthly (contact for current schedule). Virtual, in-person, or hybrid. Accessibility and transportation assistance noted. Members are compensated.

Youth Voices

“The whole point of this is to build a future system. A system that is going to last. A resilient system that is youth focused.”

— Dalias Williams, Lived Experience Youth

Second Creek, Knoxville
Knoxville from Sharps Ridge

Join This YAAB

Who can join: Ages 18–25, lived experience of homelessness or housing instability.

What to expect: A welcoming space, regular meetings, compensation for your time, and the opportunity to make real change.