Cookeville Community Cares Needs Four Person Tents
Cookeville Community Cares is urgently seeking donations of four-person tents to replace damaged shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness in the Upper Cumberland. Board Member Lisa Carver said the coalition uses the shelters to assist unhoused neighbors while working to remove barriers to permanent housing. The organization specifically requests four-person models to maximize available space while […]
Cookeville Rescue Mission Reflects On 50 Years Of Service
The Cookeville Rescue Mission plans to offer increased capacity and more services to provide additional resources for guests as the organization celebrates its 50th anniversary. Cookeville Rescue Mission Executive Director Will Roberts said the organization aims to collaborate with community partners to address the growing mental health needs of the people they serve. The mission […]
Homelessness: Overall Numbers Steady, Young Rising
While the number of homeless across the Upper Cumberland remained consistent over the last year, homelessness among young adults has risen. Homeless Programs Advocate Vivian Walker said the total number of homeless people surveyed in the January around 600, similar to last year’s results. “We’re seeing, probably the biggest thing, is there’s a huge increase, […]
UCHRA Restructured Policy Council Discuss Needs Across Region
Homelessness, mental health and child care among the most important issues to be tackled by the UCHRA Policy Council. The newly structured group held its first meeting Wednesday. Regional elected officials originally formed the board. Now, 19 members that represent fields like utilities to law enforcement make up the council. Chairman Randy Heady said he […]
Tennessee Legislature Starting With Busy Schedule
Tennessee’s legislators will begin their legislative session on Tuesday, and it will not be a typical opening week for them. Getting organized is the normal procedure for week one, but State Representative Ryan Williams said they will spend the end of this week deciding on Tennessee’s Medicaid Block Grant waiver. Williams said they will come […]
White County School’s Family Resource Center Tackles Rising Needs
White County School’s Family Resource Center has seen an increase in homelessness and kids in need during the pandemic. Director Beverly Dronebarger said the Family Resource Center tries to provide food, laundry service, housing resources and utility assistance. Dronebarger said when kids go to school without their basic needs met, it is difficult to perform […]
How Cookeville’s Pilot Program Could Help Those In Need
A five-month pilot program between Cookeville Police and UCHRA could mean immediate help for people in need. Glen Sayes directs the Substance Abuse Solutions Program for UCHRA. The city wants to contract with SAS for social assistance in the field. Sayes said responding to someone in need of intervention will play out in two different […]
Homeless Population Visible In Summer
The Director of the Cookeville Rescue Mission said it is common for more of the homeless population to take to the street in the summer. Bruce Bailey said the increased visibility of homeless persons has a lot to do with the season. He said the feeling of freedom appeals to the population. “I don’t know […]
