UCHRA Holds Homelessness Roundtable
The UCHRA Policy Committee held a roundtable Wednesday to discuss the challenges of managing the homeless population in the Upper Cumberland. Cookeville Police Sargeant Zach Gilpin told the committee that a homeless encampment behind the Cook Out on Scenic Drive has been home to as many as 150 homeless people. He said when organizations and […]
Warren Preparing Next Generation Of Community Leaders
The Warren County Youth Leadership program is cultivating the next generation of leaders by teaching life skills, entrepreneurship, and teamwork. Chamber of Commerce Social Media Manager Lakelinn Simmons said this year’s group includes 11 high school juniors. She said when students reach their junior year, they begin to make connections about what leadership means in […]
Spencer Officials Concerned About Housing Fairness For Those In Need
The Spencer Aldermen will look into concerns that Van Buren County residents are not being treated fairly by the Sparta Housing Authority. Van Buren Schools Homeless System Navigator Jill Bouldin said she remains concerned by the lack of Van Buren County representation on the Sparta Housing Authority board. Bouldin said Van Buren residents are overlooked […]
PCSS Implementing New Software To Help Track Homelessness Data
Putnam County Schools will implement new software that helps track its student homeless population. Family Resource Coordinator Kristy Hunt said the program helps collect data required by the state and personal information. She said this will help the school system get its families the assistance they need. “Putnam County we have increased quite a bit,” […]
Van Buren Schools Seeking Public Assistance For Increasing Number Of Homeless Students
About one out of five Van Buren County students are homeless or have substandard housing, and the school district needs your help to serve these families. Homeless System Navigator Jill Bouldin said the school system has seen an increase in the number of homeless students this year. “It is our vision to put together a […]
White Co Schools Family Resource Center: Homeless Students A Region Wide Issue
White County Schools have seen a continued increase in the number of homeless students in its district. Family Resource Center Director Beverly Dronebarger said approximately 75 students have been identified as homeless. “Some of that has been resulting from COVID, loss of work for families being displaced from other communities,” Dronebarger said. “But some of […]
Cookeville Rescue Mission Gearing Up For Thanksgiving Meals
Cookeville Rescue Mission is gearing up for a busy Thanksgiving holiday. Executive Director Bruce Bailey said that the organization is busy prepping for their annual Thanksgiving meal, as well as their meals on wheels program. He said that despite this time of year being hard for some, their work helps to keep spirits up. “You […]
Audition for H.O.M.E.’s Warren County’s Got Talent Contest
The Homeless of McMinnville Effort invites the community to participate in their first-ever Warren County’s Got Talent Contest. Head of Ministry Chad Cagle said anyone in the community can participate with any talent be it singing, dancing, magic or comedy–just bring your talent and support H.O.M.E.’s efforts to bring awareness to homelessness in their community. […]
Community Heroes Of Cookeville Setting Up Homeless Vets For Success
Community for Heroes is a Cookeville organization with the mission of bringing homeless veterans off the street. Founder Josh Pack said 100 percent of donations go towards purchases that provide veterans with a hand up. “The end goal is to not just give them food for today, but set them up for success for tomorrow […]
Homeless of McMinnville Effort Begins Work On First Home Of Housing Project
The Homeless of McMinnville Effort has started on its first tiny home at its transitional housing project. Co-Founder Shelia Fann said it was a surreal moment seeing the first nail driven at the Sunset Point Road location. “We want them to feel like the have a place not only to lay their head, but also […]
