For nearly 24 years, TDs associate Brandy Smith has been a beacon of hope for many in Knoxville, Tennessee. Her unwavering dedication to uplifting the community’s most vulnerable—especially the unhoused and elderly—has made a lasting impact and earned her the title of TDS Volunteer of the Quarter.
Smith’s passion for service was sparked by a simple yet highly impactful birthday letter from her grandmother at age 10:
“If you’re half as kind to people as you are to animals, you’ll go far in life.”
For Smith, that message became a guiding principle. What began as a love for animals evolved into a broader mission to serve people in need.
Smith’s community service journey in Knoxville began at Powell United Methodist Church, where her and her partner, Erin, found a welcoming community. Despite living in a town often overlooked, Smith saw strength and trust in her neighbors—many of whom are unhoused.
“About 10 years ago, Erin and I moved to the part of town where we are today,” said Smith. “People who aren’t from here generally try to stay away because it’s not particularly glamorous. Despite the large homeless community in this area, I’ve never felt threatened. In fact, we’ve found the people here are incredibly supportive and trusting.”
One of her most impactful efforts is the tent ministry, an initiative she started with the help of Powell United Methodist Church. The idea began as a dream to provide a more organized and supportive environment for the local unhoused community. After applying for and receiving a grant to help others outside the church’s walls, Brandy and her team were able to purchase a bus, a serving tent, power generators, and heaters to create a monthly event where they now provide hot meals, veterinary services, and health supplies to the unhoused.
The tent ministry has grown significantly, with a team of 15-18 volunteers showing up each month to help people in need. Smith’s dedication to this cause has not only provided much-needed resources to the unhoused, but it’s also fostered a sense of community and support among the volunteers. The ministry has received donations from individuals across the country, including Tennessee, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Oregon, allowing them to continue their work and expand their reach.
Smith’s commitment to helping others extends far beyond the tent ministry. She also leads the Powell United Methodist Church’s Benevolence Committee, where she helps manage funds to assist community members with necessities like rent payments, utility bill payments, and medication, clothing, and diaper expenses. In this role, she takes phone calls, verifies information from individuals requesting assistance, and coordinates with providers to ensure people receive the support they need.
One of the ways Smith has been able to impact her community is the relationships she’s forged with others. About 10 years ago, she created a Facebook group called Helping Hands, which provides people with essential resources and an online support system. The group has grown to over 1,700 members and serves as a safe space for individuals to ask for help or offer aid to others.
“Many people haven’t had to experience it, but it can be so hard to ask for help, even when you desperately need it,” said Smith. “It’s been remarkable to see this group grow into what it is today, and to help inform people about local resources that can truly make a difference for them.”
Looking to the future, Smith hopes to improve upon the positive outcomes achieved by her tent ministry.
“My hope is these programs continue to grow and reach the folks that need us,” said Smith. “I would love to expand the tent ministry to include additional resources, like providing help in securing housing, obtaining essential documents like IDs, Social Security cards, and birth certificates, as well as providing more health care and mental health resources.”
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