Food, Rent Help, and Emergency Services from Clark County Community Services.
Clark County Community Services, known locally as CCCS, is the primary emergency assistance organization for residents of Winchester and Clark County, Kentucky. Operating out of 30 Taylor Ave in Winchester, CCCS runs a connected set of programs that cover food, housing and utility emergencies, home repairs, and an annual Christmas program. Every program requires Clark County residency. If you live in Clark County and are dealing with a housing crisis, food shortage, or an unpaid utility bill, this is where to start.
The main phone is (859) 744-5034. The website is https://www.clarkcountycommunityservices.org/. New clients need to bring a photo ID and proof of Clark County residency — a current utility bill works — when applying for assistance in person.
- Note: For people searching for the Salvation Army in Winchester: Multiple online directories still list 30 Taylor Ave as a Salvation Army location. CCCS now operates at that address. There is no longer a Salvation Army social services office in Clark County.
Housing assistance — rent, utilities, and homelessness prevention
CCCS's Housing Program is the organization's most direct emergency intervention. If you are a Clark County resident who is behind on rent, facing eviction, at risk of a utility shutoff, or already without stable housing, you may qualify for financial assistance. CCCS provides free housing assessments to determine what help is available and offers a path to assistance for those who qualify. This can also include referrals to other options - such as Kentucky rent payment assistance programs
When you apply, you'll need to provide documentation of your housing situation — including any eviction notice or notice to pay if that applies — along with proof of income such as pay stubs or a Social Security award letter, and identifying information for all adult household members. To reach the Housing Program staff directly, ask for extension 2.
The Frye Food Pantry
The Frye Food Pantry distributes food boxes, personal care kits, and homeless packs to Clark County residents in need, and also provides a monthly commodity food box program specifically for seniors 60 and older. Food boxes include a meat option, pantry staples, milk, and eggs along with whatever else the pantry has on hand. Homeless packs contain shelf-stable food, personal care items, and warming packs during colder months. Personal care kits — which include basics like soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, and feminine products — are distributed when supply allows.
The pantry serves around 1,500 people per month, sourcing food through local grocery stores, God's Pantry, and community donations. To request food assistance, contact CCCS at the main number or apply through the website.
CC's Closet — thrift store and clothing assistance
CC's Closet is CCCS's donation-based thrift store, generally open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the same 30 Taylor Ave address. The store accepts donated clothing, household items, and other goods, and all proceeds go directly to fund the Frye Food Pantry. Shopping or donating there is a direct way to support CCCS's food programs.
For clients of CCCS who need clothing assistance, CC's Closet also provides clothing vouchers — call the main number to ask about availability.
WorkCamp — free home repairs for homeowners who need them
WorkCamp is a program most people in Clark County don't know to look for until someone mentions it. Volunteer teams perform hands-on home repair work for elderly, disabled, and veteran homeowners — entirely free, including both labor and materials. Work typically includes porch and step repair, wheelchair ramp installation, interior and exterior painting, and basic structural repairs.
Applications for each year's WorkCamp are due in late February. To request assistance, download the application from the CCCS website. Or call the main CCCS intake number.
Operation Happiness — Christmas food and clothing
Each year, CCCS runs Operation Happiness, a Christmas assistance program that serves approximately 1,200 Clark County families. Every pre-registered participant receives a Christmas food box containing a ham or turkey, pantry staples, cleaning supplies, and holiday trimmings. On the Day of Giving, each person in the household also receives a free coat and a hot lunch.
Two things set this program apart from most Christmas assistance programs. First, income is not a factor — any Clark County resident who is a CCCS client can register, regardless of how much they earn. Second, registration no longer happens over the phone. Instead, you sign up in person when you come to pick up a monthly food box in September, October, or November. If you want to participate in Operation Happiness, you need to be coming in for your regular food box during those months — that visit is now the registration.
How to reach CCCS
The main address is 30 Taylor Ave, Winchester, KY 40391. Phone: (859) 744-5034
Housing Program: ext. 2 | WorkCamp and Operations: ext. 6 | CC's Closet: ext. 4
CC's Closet store hours are normally Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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