KCDC installs solar panels at upcoming housing community for veterans, Liberty Place [Video]

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — On Monday, crews lifted solar panels onto the roof of a property that will house a community of veterans at risk of being homeless. Liberty Place will partly be powered by solar energy once it welcomes people through its doors.

Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation owns the property. According to a release, it’s the first housing development specifically meant for homeless veterans and people who are at risk of being homeless. It has 32 permanent supportive housing units and is scheduled to open in late 2024.

“The primary thing is to provide housing to our veterans who have served our country. The second thing is to reduce our energy footprint as much as possible,” said Ben Bentley, the leader of KCDC.

The Tennessee Valley Authority helped fund the solar panels. It will be KCDC’s …