SERVICE GUIDELINES

Requirements:  The following are the requirements to receive assistance:

  1. Must live in the 37072 zip code (also 37080 and 37189 for Second Harvest food and clothing);
  2. Must have original Social Security cards for each household member; 
  3. Must show proof of your current address – this must be a document dated within the last thirty (30) days which states your name and address.  For rent receipts, the provider’s name (i.e. motel, mobile home park name, etc.) must be pre-printed on the receipt.

Food:

  1. Second Harvest - food is distributed according to the rules of the Second Harvest food bank which is three times in a six-month period.
  2. Partial Food Order - food is distributed to those who have used their three (3) Second Harvest servings.  This is limited to three (3) times over a six (6) month period.
  3. Transient Food Order - “ready to eat” food is distributed to those without a place to live.

Clothing:

  1. Clients may receive two  (2) articles of clothing (or one outfit) per household member every four (4) months.
  2. Burn-out victims receive clothing, linens and household articles as available.  A copy of the Fire Department report is required.

Utilities:

  1. Clients must present a cut-off notice to receive up to $250.00 assistance on electric, natural gas or water bills.  This is a 10 year maximum. 
  2. No assistance is given for telephone bills or utility deposits.
  3. No assistance is given for utilities included in the rent.

Lodging:

  1. No assistance is given on rent or rent deposits.
  2. Temporary lodging, at a local motel, is given for transients/emergency situations.

Transportation:

  1. Metro Transit Authority passes are available for local travel.
  2. We may assist with bus fare to anywhere in the continental U.S.A. .

Medical:

  1. Clients may receive assistance with medical/prescriptions up to a maximum of $75.00.  A printed statement / bill with the provider’s name, address, item and amount must be presented.

Education:

  1. Client will receive a limit of $75.00 per semester for required fees and books for higher education. 
  2. Basic Computer Class are offered free on site.
  3. $65.00 will be refunded to client who attends GED Preparatory Classes and successfully passes the test.

Christmas:

  1. Residents of 37072 zip code may pre-register around October 1 to receive a Christmas Food Box containing food to prepare their holiday meal;
  2. For those who have children and qualify, we also have a Christmas Toy Shop where parents can shop at no cost. Again, pre-registration is required.

Referrals:

When requests are made that we cannot fulfill, we may refer clients to other agencies which provide the necessary services. 

We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.