Jerusalem House and Higher Ground assistance programs.
Jerusalem House, also known as Higher Ground, provides information on where to send people in need across Sullivan County Tennessee. They will rely on this when they can't support the applicant in their own way. One of the reasons that referrals are so relied on is that it will remove some of those people that (fairly or not) are seeking redundant help.
There are services from Jerusalem House as well as other local agencies that can help low income families or people in poverty with immediate relief needs. This includes food and shelter, medical care, and more. But the financial aid is very limited. Instead the focus is always a social worker assigned to the client to help them improve their long-term situations by offering self-help programs geared to their specific need.
The Jerusalem House - Higher Ground pantry has many goods available for distribution. This of course means food, but there are other critical items that families need to function. This includes everything from soup as well as razors, towels, and hygiene items to paper products or cleaning supplies. There are local businesses that donate to the food pantry as well as items dropped off from “drives” held by churches and local companies.
Volunteers at the Jerusalem House pantry help sort and stock the shelves. Then, during hours of operation, many volunteers also run the front desk to direct clients as to where to go. Some people, such as the disabled or elderly, may even get help from someone in bringing a bag of groceries out to their car.
Household goods and clothing – Many low to moderate income families struggle to pay for these items. It can also be a challenge for the unemployed. The items from Sullivan County and Kingsport are given at no cost to clients.
This program is only usually available by referrals to to existing clients. So those people that use other services from the agency (whether financial or case management) may qualify as well as families with a referral from a local Sullivan County social services agency or church. Under-served individuals may be given free basic human necessities for cleaning, household supplies, school supplies, clothing, pots and pans, and the like.
Jerusalem House administers various services for underprivileged families. The resources are very limited and come with a number of conditions. When possible, financial assistance provides the following.
-Support for rent, housing such as a mortgage and utility bill payments.
-Jerusalem House can address medical needs such as prescription drug assistance, which offers funds for clients who lack medical insurance.
-Job seekers can look into gasoline assistance or fuel vouchers for travel in Sullivan County.
-Nutrition Every Weekend supplies children in local School Districts with nutritious meals in backpacks each weekend.
Non-monetary aid may be offered too. The agency’s pantry distributes food, and vouchers are provided to clients so that they can acquire clothing at the thrift store / Hand Me Up Shop. The emergency transitional shelter provides short-term housing for families who have a documented plan to overcome homelessness.
Other Jerusalem House programs include free school supplies, backpacks and clothing to students. There is also Christmas help, namely Holiday Giving, which provides low income families with children gifts during the holiday season. Free furniture and other goods may be passed out too. The faith based group also has information on additional ways to contact charities for free items.
The self-sufficiency from Jerusalem House is also often required when seeking financial aid. Case managers coordinate Educating Our Community, which offers English-as-a-second-language (ESL) course. All across Sullivan County Tennessee the agency may refer people to financial classes and other educational opportunities.
Jerusalem House – Higher Ground is located at 1625 Lynn Garden Drive, Lynn Garden, Tennessee 37665. They serve people no matter their religion, and the phone number is (423) 247-6776.
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