Central Services referrals to assistance programs.
Offering mostly referrals to less fortunate families, Central Services provides information on programs available that can help with bills and address other challenges faced by families. The non-profit has information on dozens of resources in the Hamblen County region, ranging from basic needs such as Emergency Food and Shelter to holiday help and much more.
The agency is really a clearinghouse, meaning they take and review requests and refer qualified clients to other programs in the Hamblen County region. They can help people with a crisis and offer information on financial aid that may be able to assist. In total, the non-profit Central Services has information on over 15 other programs in the region.
The goal is to empower individuals so they can obtain self-sufficiency. Many agencies in Hamblen County Tennessee will also provide clients with case management services which can help them gain stability and self-reliance. This may mean employment or some other way to exit poverty.
A focus of Central Services is to encourage and teach positive coping and living skills. The objective of the case management process is to help change some of the habits that lead to poverty or some other form of unhealthy behaviors. All clients seeking assistance will be treated with respect, care, and other forms of support.
The clearing house organizes churches and charities across Hamblen County. They have been operating for over 40 years and over that time the number and amount of assistance programs has increased. Hundreds of families, including the elderly and disabled, receive help from the organization.
Currently, the agency has information on dozens of social service agencies and emergency resources in the county and across Tennessee. They rely on the support of the community as well as volunteers and some professional case managers. Some of the main programs in the Hamblen County region are below.
Medical and health care needs are available in Hamblen County. There is support for individuals with arthritis, cerebral palsy, Tuberculosis, or heart problems. Or get information on local community clinics.
There is assistance for housing. Most of this relies on federal government grants, such as emergency shelter. This can include funds to pay rent to stop an eviction or security deposit assistance for the currently homeless.
Central Services and its partners operate food pantries, soup kitchens, and feeding sites in the area, including for single moms. In some cases, some of the churches may even have holiday meals or clothing for the needy. Other resources include Appalachian Food Recovery.
The Changing Times Thrift Store may have shoes, back to school supplies, holiday gifts or toys, and other items. Or inquire into the Kiwanis Shoe Program.
Utility bill help in Hamblen County Tennessee is available. This can include grants from LIHEAP, one time funds from a local church, and other aid, such as MUS Project Help or the Holston Electric Project.
Holiday resources available are Holiday Hope Fund as well as the Christmas Toys Program. There may be food baskets distributed too.
Some examples of other services in the region include Hispanic Outreach, Meritan Senior Training Program, Working for Change, Appalachia CARES / Americorp Job Training, Clinch-Powell Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling, and more.
In order to apply for help, be prepared to complete an application with a case worker. This will include copies of income, expenses, and other needs. In a crisis, some of the financial aid paid out may be accelerated. Applicants will need to have proof of income, expenses, and more. Also, be prepared to attend case management with a representative from one of the charity organizations.
Apply for, and get referrals from Central Services
As noted, Central Services mostly provides referrals to partners in the region. The main partners include Cherokee Health Systems Hispanic Outreach, Douglas Cherokee Economic Authority Neighborhood Center, and Lakeway Area Habitat for Humanity. The main center is 2450 S Cumberland St, Morristown, Tennessee 37813, call (423) 586-9431.
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