Nov. 09, 2026
Blaze Pizza’s two Knoxville locations will donate 20% of proceeds from purchases made on Nov. 9 to the newly established KCDC Veterans Support Fund, which assists residents of Liberty Place and Hero’s Hill as well as potential future veteran housing initiatives.
Hero’s Hill is a tiny home community for homeless veterans, built next to KCDC’s Liberty Place, a permanent supportive housing development for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
“Our experience at Liberty Place shows that housing helps tremendously with long-term stability, but many veterans arrive with few belongings, urgent food needs, limited transportation and other challenges that traditional housing and service funding can’t always cover,” KCDC Executive Director and CEO Ben Bentley said. “The KCDC Veterans Support Fund will provide additional resources to help these veterans build a foundation for their future.”
Spearheaded by Knox County and managed by Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC), Hero’s Hill officially opened Aug. 27 at 1105 Liberty St., and features 20 tiny homes with porches and on-site support services including a community center, laundry facilities and offices for Veterans Affairs’ caseworkers.
A path will link Hero’s Hill to Liberty Place, a 32-unit affordable housing community developed by KCDC for veterans in 2024. The two adjacent properties create a contiguous community of 52 veterans offering residents the opportunity to connect and build camaraderie in a supportive environment.
As an early supporter of the KCDC Veterans Support Fund, Blaze Pizza will donate 20% of proceeds from purchases made on Nov. 9 referencing FUND A at its Knoxville locations at 10978 Parkside Drive and 113 N. Peters Road.
“KCDC is fortunate to have the support of generous community partners like Blaze Pizza, which are helping to fill the gap for our veterans, especially as Veterans Day approaches on Nov. 11,” Bentley said.
Liberty Place was KCDC’s first housing site specifically for veterans and provides one-bedroom units to veterans who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless. Hero’s Hill also provides permanent housing for veterans experiencing homelessness. Housing at both properties is supported through HUD-VASH vouchers, which are earmarked specifically for veterans.
Individuals or organizations interested in contributing to support services for veterans are encouraged to donate to the overall Veterans Support fund, allowing KCDC to direct resources where they can have the greatest impact, including community-building programs, wellness and recreational opportunities, shared meals or special events and gathering areas.
Donations can be made online at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/kcdcveterans.
About Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation
Since 1936, KCDC has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Knoxville and Knox County. KCDC’s mission is to improve and transform neighborhoods and communities by providing quality affordable housing, advancing development initiatives and fostering self-sufficiency. For more information, call 865-403-1100 or visit kcdc.org.
Follow KCDC on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KnoxvilleCDC
X: https://x.com/knoxvilleCDC
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/knoxville’s-community-development-corporation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knoxvillecdc
