United Way Social Service Updates

Thank you

for joining the fight

for the health, education

and self-sufficiency

of every person

in Blount County!

For real-time social service updates, please join the

Blount County Social Service Agency Needs and Resources

during COVID-19 Facebook group

As always, if someone is in need of social services, we recommend they contact 211 either by phone (865-215-4211) or online ( tn211.mycommunitypt.com ). United Way Worldwide has a strong relationship with 211, and the organization will keep us updated on any extra assistance from 211 that may be activated in the future. As of now, 211 is operating normally.

East Tennessee Foundation's Neighbor to Neighbor Disaster Relief Fund is currently accepting applications for timely disaster grants to nonprofit organizations in our 25-county region affected by the COVID-19 national emergency. http://www.easttennesseefoundation.org/scholarships-grants/grants/competitive-grants-and-loans-by-name/neighbor-to-neighbor-disaster-relief-fund

Everett Hills Baptist Church is still doing Monday evening meals starting at 5:30 pm. Instead of serving a sit down meal, people can drive or walk through and pick up a boxed dinner for take-out.

Good Neighbors is operating our regular work hours, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, by phone messages only. Neighbors should leave a message at 681-5420 and will be contacted as soon as possible by a staff member. We are continuing to provide referrals and information on community resources as well as limited financial assistance with rent and utilities.

Operation HOPE is available to help individuals struggling to make ends meet during these trying times. We offer financial education through free workshops and free one-on-one counseling. Due to the coronavirus we are conducting our workshops and one-on-one counseling sessions virtually (phone and computer). We help clients create an emergency budget and prioritize bills during the crisis. We can also help clients understand payment options and figure out next steps with creditors. Please contact Jodi Self at (865) 268-9838 or jodi.self@operationhope.org for assistance.