Knox County assistance programs.

Programs to help with bills, expenses, and more

Learn about various services and agencies below, including the Knoxville Knox Community Action Committee, which is a non profit public agency that has its primary goal is helping to serve the citizens of both Knox County and Knoxville Tennessee. They focus on aiding low to moderate income families, seniors, the unemployed and as well as underemployed, handicapped and others persons with disabilities, and other individuals that may have special needs or facing hardships.

To meet their goal of helping these individuals they offer local residents a variety of programs and services. Just a sampling of what is available include the following:

Affordable prescription drugs for seniors -They provide resources for ways to save on and reduce prescription drug bills through discounted and free medicine programs, Medicare, both state and federal programs, and plans that pharmaceutical companies may offer. Find other ways to save on prescriptions. Continue.

Free eye exams, glasses, dentures, and hearing aids - Grants and loans for people who can’t afford these items.

Free and discounted transportation - Receive free, limited transportation for individuals and families of all ages who reside within Knox County and if they have no other means to get to their workplace, medical appointments, critical shopping, and other essential transportation.

Home repairs - A countywide program is available that provides residents with minor home repairs and improvements in cooperation with the Knox County community development programs as well as the City of Knoxville.

Energy bills - They have emergency funds and grants that can be distributed to help people keep their utility services from being disconnected. They can also help people with understanding and applying for the federal government LIHEAP program.

Weatherization program - This is a federal funded program that will provide free updates and upgrades to homes to help the owners reduce their energy bills. People who use this program can save hundreds of dollars per year on their utility bills.

Heating Bills- There are a few different options for people. They are all administered through the Knoxville Knox Community Action office. They include:

• Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)- This federal government funded program provides cash grants to both low and middle income families. The assistance program operates three main components to people in need:
• Crisis prevention or regular assistance. This will deal with issues before they enter the crisis phase.
• Crisis assistance. If someone is in a crisis, this option is for them. It will provide immediate cash grants or heating fuel. It will also turn someone’s utility or heating service back on.
• Summer cooling bill assistance. This provides air conditioners in the form of installation of free 5000BTU air conditioners for individuals with medical conditions that are aggravated by summer heat and the humidity in Tennessee.
• Another program for heating bill assistance includes PROJECT HELP, which is a crisis intervention energy program.
• Last but not least Knox County families can turn to LOCAL HEAT RELIEF, yet another local assistance program. 

This is just a sampling of the assistance programs offered. There are more. The main office of Knoxville Knox Community Action Committee is located at 2247 Western Avenue in Knoxville, but a few smaller offices are scattered around the county. Call them at (865) 546-3500.

Senior citizen programs

The CAC-Office of Aging is a great resource for seniors. They offer numerous programs, including the following. They offer meals, but the biggest benefit of the office may be Senior Citizens Information and Referral Service (SCIRS) program. This is a free service that provides detailed information on programs and referral to/for senior citizens seeking help in such areas as housing assistance, transportation, health and insurance, recreation, finances, retirement, debt help, or general counseling. Phone 524-2786.

Help for bills in a crisis

The Knoxville Catholic Charities is one place to turn to. they provide financial help for rent and housing expenses, including energy bills. They also run a shelter and are a great resource for local families. Dial 524-9896.

Ladies of Charity also provides emergency assistance and financial aid such as a nutritious three-day supply of food based on family income and size, rent assistance, medication and prescription drugs, clothing, baby layettes, diapers, and limited utility and heating assistance to individuals and families. In addition to these options, non-utility fuel assistance is also available for coal, firewood, and kerosene heating sources. 524-0538.

Of course you can always contact the Salvation Army. Phone 525-9401. The local branch runs an Emergency Assistance Program, and this program provides financial assistance and help for paying bills and debts. Receive supplementary aid and support such as food, clothing, prescription drugs, furniture, and household items to local families and individuals in emergency or crisis situations.

Second Harvest Food Bank can be contacted if you need food for your next meal. They run assistance programs including Food for Kids, Knoxville Harvest, and provides cased food to those in need. Phone number is 521-0000.

Health care for patients with no insurance

The working uninsured and low income can get healthcare from Interfaith Health Clinic. Phone 546-7330. This medical care program provides an on-site family practice health care to working families and individuals without health insurance. Services provided by the clinic include lab work and x-rays on a free or sliding fee scale. Specialty clinics including podiatry, diabetic counseling, gynecology, and minor surgery are held at the health care clinic as well on a regular basis. Mental health counseling, dental care, and affordable prescription medications are also offered on-site.

Mortgage and foreclosure help

The Knoxville Area Urban League provides homebuyer’s education, mortgage and foreclosure default intervention strategies, and budgeting/credit repair, as well as debt reduction programs. 524-5511.