OUR LOCAL WORK
Supporting the United Way of Greater Knoxville
For the past several years, Three3 has been supporting our local United Way with several different assessments and pilots that aim to better understand complex social issues and support community-driven solutions to those issues. The work has expanded our partnerships (and family) and shifted our approaches for community and stakeholder engagement and for advancing social justice – for which we will be forever grateful.
For the past several years, Three3 has been supporting our local United Way with several different assessments and pilots that aim to better understand complex social issues and support community-driven solutions to those issues. The work has expanded our partnerships (and family) and shifted our approaches for community and stakeholder engagement and for advancing social justice – for which we will be forever grateful.
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Knoxville Community
Food Systems Assessment ThreeCubed has recently completed our multi-year support of the Knoxville-wide food systems assessment managed by the United Way of Greater Knoxville. This participatory-driven assessment involved surveys supported by many trusted, community-based organizations and change leaders, as well as alternative forms of information and people gathering to better understand people's experiences across the food system. Importantly, all the (de-identified) data and information collected will be made public for community use. The final products for this assessment include traditional reports and presentations of findings as well as a StoryMap (in current development). We also hope to communicate expressions and strategic visioning through visual language. Click here for more information from the UWGK and for the annual report. |
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Knoxville Community
Bright Steps Assessment
ThreeCubed aided UWGK with their early child care and education assessment and the on-going work of the Bright Steps Action Team. The Bright Steps action team at UWGK continually engages in needs assessment, root factor analysis, and asset mapping to understand the ever-changing needs of children and families in the communities they serve. As part of this contract work, Three3 provided technical social science support in the forms of 1.) asset and network mapping, 2.) a series of needs assessments, and 3.) facilitation of meetings and workshops to better understand the issues and share knowledge.
The subsequent findings were shared out by Erin Rose and Jha'Niyah Holland at UWGK's Early Care and Education Summit, with City of Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon and Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs attending alongside other community leaders. These findings are currently being used in the overall effort to improve child care access, family supports, and early relational health across Tennessee.
Bright Steps Assessment
ThreeCubed aided UWGK with their early child care and education assessment and the on-going work of the Bright Steps Action Team. The Bright Steps action team at UWGK continually engages in needs assessment, root factor analysis, and asset mapping to understand the ever-changing needs of children and families in the communities they serve. As part of this contract work, Three3 provided technical social science support in the forms of 1.) asset and network mapping, 2.) a series of needs assessments, and 3.) facilitation of meetings and workshops to better understand the issues and share knowledge.
The subsequent findings were shared out by Erin Rose and Jha'Niyah Holland at UWGK's Early Care and Education Summit, with City of Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon and Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs attending alongside other community leaders. These findings are currently being used in the overall effort to improve child care access, family supports, and early relational health across Tennessee.
East Tennessee Collaborative
Starting in 2022, Three3 supported the UWGK and project partners with the design and equity framing of a demonstration project funded by the State of Tennessee to reimagine equitable distribution of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF). The East Tennessee Collaborative (ETC) program was created to "help families overcome hurdles to reach financial independence. [...] ETC is pairing the power of relationship with financial support so families have what they need to make a positive and lasting change." Three3 continues to facilitate discussions with Mobility Mentors working directly with families to document process and to better understand what is working and how they have navigated challenges. Three3 also support the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility work underpinning the project.
Starting in 2022, Three3 supported the UWGK and project partners with the design and equity framing of a demonstration project funded by the State of Tennessee to reimagine equitable distribution of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF). The East Tennessee Collaborative (ETC) program was created to "help families overcome hurdles to reach financial independence. [...] ETC is pairing the power of relationship with financial support so families have what they need to make a positive and lasting change." Three3 continues to facilitate discussions with Mobility Mentors working directly with families to document process and to better understand what is working and how they have navigated challenges. Three3 also support the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility work underpinning the project.
Summer 2022 – Summer 2024
Health Equity Portraits
Three3 is partnering with the University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC) to develop county level health equity portraits for stakeholders and communities to use for policy and program-making. The study includes the compiling of health and well-being metrics and indicators into a database that will help characterize the historical context around the state of health for the area, as well as the social determinants or drivers of health outcomes. Focus groups were held in 17 counties (reaching over 140 individuals) in East Tennessee to inform the development of the health equity portraits. Stakeholder surveys (119) were administered and stakeholder interviews (22) were completed. Health Equity Portraits are organized into 3 sections: 1.) characterization of the population and geographical area, 2.) a portrait on population health (including statistics on health and social disparities) and access to healthcare, and 3.) a picture on the social determinants of health (e.g., unemployment, housing insecurity). The primary objective is to provide useful information to individuals and organizations working and living in the target areas, as well as UTMC staff delivering services in those target areas, and to better understand community health inequities and their social determinants. A publicly available database – to be published during 2024 –contains ~ 10,000 data points on metrics and indicators related to health and social determinant of health outcomes.
Health Equity Portraits
Three3 is partnering with the University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC) to develop county level health equity portraits for stakeholders and communities to use for policy and program-making. The study includes the compiling of health and well-being metrics and indicators into a database that will help characterize the historical context around the state of health for the area, as well as the social determinants or drivers of health outcomes. Focus groups were held in 17 counties (reaching over 140 individuals) in East Tennessee to inform the development of the health equity portraits. Stakeholder surveys (119) were administered and stakeholder interviews (22) were completed. Health Equity Portraits are organized into 3 sections: 1.) characterization of the population and geographical area, 2.) a portrait on population health (including statistics on health and social disparities) and access to healthcare, and 3.) a picture on the social determinants of health (e.g., unemployment, housing insecurity). The primary objective is to provide useful information to individuals and organizations working and living in the target areas, as well as UTMC staff delivering services in those target areas, and to better understand community health inequities and their social determinants. A publicly available database – to be published during 2024 –contains ~ 10,000 data points on metrics and indicators related to health and social determinant of health outcomes.
Fall 2023 – Summer 2024
Housing Needs Assessment
Three3 will be supported the Knoxville Community Development Corporation's needs assessment of its Section 8 voucher holders. A survey has been sent out to over 3,000 voucher holders across the Knoxville area to better understand needs related to housing, transportation, food and other basic essentials.
Housing Needs Assessment
Three3 will be supported the Knoxville Community Development Corporation's needs assessment of its Section 8 voucher holders. A survey has been sent out to over 3,000 voucher holders across the Knoxville area to better understand needs related to housing, transportation, food and other basic essentials.
Summer 2023 – Winter 2024
Healthy Brain Initiative
Three3 recently supported the Knox County Health Department (KCHD) on their Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map Strategists Program. This program was possible through a financial award granted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S Department of Health and Human Services. As a part of this effort, Three3 partnered with local support groups and community centers to organize focus group discussions with adults living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and other forms of dementia. We also led focus groups with those who provide familial care and support for adults living with MCI. This project provided insights for policy and program makers at KCHD and for practitioners and professionals working to advance MCI and Alzheimer's health and well-being outcomes.
Healthy Brain Initiative
Three3 recently supported the Knox County Health Department (KCHD) on their Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map Strategists Program. This program was possible through a financial award granted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S Department of Health and Human Services. As a part of this effort, Three3 partnered with local support groups and community centers to organize focus group discussions with adults living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and other forms of dementia. We also led focus groups with those who provide familial care and support for adults living with MCI. This project provided insights for policy and program makers at KCHD and for practitioners and professionals working to advance MCI and Alzheimer's health and well-being outcomes.
OUR LOCAL ENERGY + CLIMATE ACTION WORK
Winter 2024 – Summer 2025
Knoxville Area Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Planning
The City of Knoxville, the Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization, and other jurisdictions within the Knoxville Metropolitan Statistical Area have entered into a collaboration to develop a (recently published) Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) and (to be drafted) Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) required by their EPA awarded Carbon Pollution Reduction Grant (CRRG). ICF, an international known consulting firm, will assist this team by inventorying greenhouse gas emissions in the Knoxville region. ICF has subcontracted with Three3 to provide local consultation services and possible data collection and support with particular focus on low-income, disadvantaged communities (LIDAC) engagement and analysis.
Knoxville Area Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Planning
The City of Knoxville, the Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization, and other jurisdictions within the Knoxville Metropolitan Statistical Area have entered into a collaboration to develop a (recently published) Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) and (to be drafted) Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) required by their EPA awarded Carbon Pollution Reduction Grant (CRRG). ICF, an international known consulting firm, will assist this team by inventorying greenhouse gas emissions in the Knoxville region. ICF has subcontracted with Three3 to provide local consultation services and possible data collection and support with particular focus on low-income, disadvantaged communities (LIDAC) engagement and analysis.
Spring 2022 – Spring 2025
Climate Plus: Going Beyond Weatherization to Healthy Indoor Air Quality in Low-Income Homes
This project addressed the major consequences of climate change expected in Knoxville: flooding, wildfires, extreme temperatures, and severe storms, which lead to worsened air quality inside the housing of older, low-income minority individuals. In East and South Knoxville, where the housing stock is older and the largest pockets of people of color and those in poverty exist, families, the elderly, and those with preexisting health problems are disproportionately affected by the expected impacts and exacerbation of air pollution that will be the consequence of climate change. For example, high rates of asthma, COPD, and other respiratory illnesses have lead to these individuals missing days of work or disability, furthering the perpetuation of poverty. Over the 3 years that this project was active, East TN was impacted at least once by each expected climate impact.
During the course of the project, Three3 and SEEED (Socially Equal Energy Efficient Development), Inc. completed 40 homes in federally designated distressed and energy and environmental justice communities. Community members were educated on the expected climate impacts in East TN and subsequent links to indoor air quality, and they were informed on how they might have already been affected by local climate impacts. SEEED then distributed low-cost kits to help protect from and improve indoor air. These kits included back-up batteries, air cleaners, safe storage, screen repair kits, and additional safety items such as masks and gloves, with some kits and repairs being customized to home needs. On February 5, 2025, Climate Plus stakeholders, a task force, and community participants participated in a stakeholder meeting to discuss the resiliency benefits of weatherization services and continuing vulnerabilities in our community. Click here to view the stakeholder presentation.
Climate Plus: Going Beyond Weatherization to Healthy Indoor Air Quality in Low-Income Homes
This project addressed the major consequences of climate change expected in Knoxville: flooding, wildfires, extreme temperatures, and severe storms, which lead to worsened air quality inside the housing of older, low-income minority individuals. In East and South Knoxville, where the housing stock is older and the largest pockets of people of color and those in poverty exist, families, the elderly, and those with preexisting health problems are disproportionately affected by the expected impacts and exacerbation of air pollution that will be the consequence of climate change. For example, high rates of asthma, COPD, and other respiratory illnesses have lead to these individuals missing days of work or disability, furthering the perpetuation of poverty. Over the 3 years that this project was active, East TN was impacted at least once by each expected climate impact.
During the course of the project, Three3 and SEEED (Socially Equal Energy Efficient Development), Inc. completed 40 homes in federally designated distressed and energy and environmental justice communities. Community members were educated on the expected climate impacts in East TN and subsequent links to indoor air quality, and they were informed on how they might have already been affected by local climate impacts. SEEED then distributed low-cost kits to help protect from and improve indoor air. These kits included back-up batteries, air cleaners, safe storage, screen repair kits, and additional safety items such as masks and gloves, with some kits and repairs being customized to home needs. On February 5, 2025, Climate Plus stakeholders, a task force, and community participants participated in a stakeholder meeting to discuss the resiliency benefits of weatherization services and continuing vulnerabilities in our community. Click here to view the stakeholder presentation.
Winter 2023 – Winter 2024
Community Engagement and Education Strategies for Knoxville Utilities Board
During calendar year 2023, SEEED, SACE, Three3 and the Harvey Broome Group (HBG) of the Sierra Club TN assisted Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) with conducting community outreach to identify and help recruit eligible households into KUB’s weatherization program(s). In doing so, the Partners designed a community engagement strategy for KUB for both immediate recruitment needs and for enrollment needs and educational outreach moving forward. The Partners envisioned a strategy that was targeted, inclusive, and grounded in principles of energy justice so that those households living in energy inefficient housing and struggling with utility affordability have access to weatherization services. The scope of work involved two primary task areas: 1.) Initial Community Engagement and Planning and 2.) Community Outreach, Education, Enrollment. SEEED took the lead on conducting a series of community-centric, monthly workshops between April and November 2023. The workshops targeted energy and water conservation strategies and utility bill education. Outputs and outcomes from the workshops were tracked to evaluate the effectiveness of communication, outreach, and education strategies. A detailed logic model and plan for measuring outcomes included metrics and indicators related to number of households reached and efficacy of energy education workshops. Two surveys were used to help characterize the population served through the workshops, and to capture who participated as well as their feedback on the workshops. These data collection efforts aimed to better understand the needs of those most impacted by utility insecurity and those living in inefficient and unhealthy housing. Outreach efforts revealed motivations and barriers for participation in programs; and provided recommendations for program improvement and communication strategies.
Community Engagement and Education Strategies for Knoxville Utilities Board
During calendar year 2023, SEEED, SACE, Three3 and the Harvey Broome Group (HBG) of the Sierra Club TN assisted Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) with conducting community outreach to identify and help recruit eligible households into KUB’s weatherization program(s). In doing so, the Partners designed a community engagement strategy for KUB for both immediate recruitment needs and for enrollment needs and educational outreach moving forward. The Partners envisioned a strategy that was targeted, inclusive, and grounded in principles of energy justice so that those households living in energy inefficient housing and struggling with utility affordability have access to weatherization services. The scope of work involved two primary task areas: 1.) Initial Community Engagement and Planning and 2.) Community Outreach, Education, Enrollment. SEEED took the lead on conducting a series of community-centric, monthly workshops between April and November 2023. The workshops targeted energy and water conservation strategies and utility bill education. Outputs and outcomes from the workshops were tracked to evaluate the effectiveness of communication, outreach, and education strategies. A detailed logic model and plan for measuring outcomes included metrics and indicators related to number of households reached and efficacy of energy education workshops. Two surveys were used to help characterize the population served through the workshops, and to capture who participated as well as their feedback on the workshops. These data collection efforts aimed to better understand the needs of those most impacted by utility insecurity and those living in inefficient and unhealthy housing. Outreach efforts revealed motivations and barriers for participation in programs; and provided recommendations for program improvement and communication strategies.
Summer 2022 – Summer 2023
U.S. DOE Inclusive Energy Innovation Prize
Three3 partnered with local workforce nonprofit, Socially Equally Energy Efficient Development (SEEED) on an inclusive energy innovation project that focused on procedural and distributive justice in the development of a just energy ecosystem. The first objective was to inspire and increase participation in clean energy and climate-smart job training. It also focused on economic advancement for the disadvantaged young people in the underresourced and disinvested neighborhoods served by SEEED. This U.S. Department of Energy Prize provided the funds to work with the community to envision a just energy workforce transition. This effort entailed conducting a series of stakeholder interviews with leaders and organizations in this space including TVA, ORNL, Sierra Club, and East TN Clean Fuels. The project also featured a first-of its- kind futures literacy laboratory (FLL) that drew over 60 individuals from the community to the Beck Center, known for its collections on African American history in East Tennessee, to discuss just energy futures. We intend to build ‘futures literacy’ into our community engagement work to help communities, groups, and individuals consider future generations in their solution-making to address critical issues across sectors.
U.S. DOE Inclusive Energy Innovation Prize
Three3 partnered with local workforce nonprofit, Socially Equally Energy Efficient Development (SEEED) on an inclusive energy innovation project that focused on procedural and distributive justice in the development of a just energy ecosystem. The first objective was to inspire and increase participation in clean energy and climate-smart job training. It also focused on economic advancement for the disadvantaged young people in the underresourced and disinvested neighborhoods served by SEEED. This U.S. Department of Energy Prize provided the funds to work with the community to envision a just energy workforce transition. This effort entailed conducting a series of stakeholder interviews with leaders and organizations in this space including TVA, ORNL, Sierra Club, and East TN Clean Fuels. The project also featured a first-of its- kind futures literacy laboratory (FLL) that drew over 60 individuals from the community to the Beck Center, known for its collections on African American history in East Tennessee, to discuss just energy futures. We intend to build ‘futures literacy’ into our community engagement work to help communities, groups, and individuals consider future generations in their solution-making to address critical issues across sectors.
