UCHRA Working To Make Homes Winter Safe
The UCHRA is working to make the elderly, disabled and low income residents of the Upper Cumberland safe and comfortable this winter. Weatherization Assistance Program Manager Tommy Simcox said the program works with contractors to fix windows, doors and heating and cooling units for those in need. Simcox said doing this work is about meeting […]
Van Buren Head Start Names New Interim Director
The UCHRA’s Van Buren Head Start program has a new interim director. Elsie Blalock will take over for Karla Hillis, who announced her retirement after 23 years as director. Executive Director Mark Farley said the results of the grant for the three proposed head start centers will determine the future of the position. “Our thoughts […]
Cookevile Councilman Wants Both Sides of Panhandling Heard
A public hearing for Cookeville’s proposed panhandling ordinance will take place this Thursday. Cookeville City Councilman Charles Womack said his concern is not with the panhandling ordinance as it exists. City Councilmember Charles Womack said a lack of public comment was the reason for voting no during the first reading of the ordinance. “I think […]
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Coming To UC
By the end of September, nine electric car charging stations will be available across the Upper Cumberland. The project is part of a three-year Tennessee Tech study to research how electric vehicles could be the new future of transportation in rural communities. Mechanical Engineer Assistant Professor Pingen Chen said Carthage, Livingston, Sparta, Spencer, and Byrdstown […]
Cookeville Council Approves Social Work Contract
Cookeville City Council approved a contract with UCHRA Thursday night to provide social work assistance to Cookeville Police. The pilot program will provide on-call service for police 24/7. The SAS program team will provide assistance with housing, mental health services, substance abuse, and other needs for people needing help. “We need a service with social […]
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 […]
Cookeville Council To Consider UCHRA Agreement Thursday
Cookeville City Council will consider an agreement with UCHRA to provide social work assistance for those in need. City Manager James Mills said he proposed a five-month pilot program through UCHRA’s Substance Abuse Solutions Program. It would provide assistance 24/7 to Cookeville Police in the areas of mental health, homelessness and substance abuse. The city […]
UCHRA Program To Help Panhandlers Could Benefit Cookeville
The City of Cookeville wants to team with UCHRA’s Substance Abuse Solutions program to discuss resolving panhandling issues. SAS Resource Manager Luke Eldridge said since July, the program has over thirty clients across the Upper Cumberland. Some of these clients are panhandlers. “Being with this program, I’m hoping we’re going to really make a difference,” […]
Councilman Wants Social Services Funding for Cookeville Panhandling
Councilman Charles Womack said he feels rushing to criminalize panhandling in Cookeville is premature. Cookeville City Council did not vote on a panhandling ordinance on Thursday night. Womack said he hopes City Manager James Mills will negotiate a way to use social services, instead of law enforcement. “I’m hoping that Mr. Mills is able to […]
UCHRA is Providing Services, Lobby Closed
The UCHRA will not reopen its lobby to the public Monday but services continue. The agency shut down last week after multiple employees tested positive for COVID-19. Executive Director Mark Farley said you should still contact your local office around the Upper Cumberland for your needs. “Based on what the program is it’s best just […]
