Neighbors
COVID-19 Rent Relief Information
THDA is currently awaiting further guidance from the US Treasury regarding rent relief funds designated as part of the Emergency Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020.
More information is expected in the coming weeks.
COVID-19
During This time, we want our neighbors to know we are here for you. We understand many have lost jobs and income, finding themselves in a situation never seen before. Please contact us. We have funds available for crisis and are Here to Help.
Click Here to fill out information for us to contact you for assistance.
Our focus on creating a better community in Northeast Tennessee starts in each of our neighborhoods. We do this through providing multiple programs ranging from weatherization, self sufficiency and education, all the way to assistance programs such as commodity distribution and energy assistance.
Below you will find information regarding our various programs. Simply click the “+” icon to expand the section and learn more.
Self Sufficiency
Programs
Self Sufficiency Program
The Self Sufficiency Program is designed to help individuals gain education and/or job training and put them on the pathway towards independence and stability.
Community Service Specialists work hand-in-hand with neighbors to help them set and accomplish goals, overcome barriers, and assess progress in order to become self-sufficient.
Services include:
- Budgeting/Financial Counseling
- $60/week stipend based on progress being made towards Educational/Training goals.
- $2,000 to assist in goal completion
- Mentoring by a highly trained and passionate staff member
Income Management
This program functions to assists neighbors with management of household income.
Services include:
- SSI Designated Representative Payee Services
- Household Financial Counseling/Information and Referral
Assistance
Programs
Commodity Food Distributions (USDA / TEFAP)
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), also known as Commodities, is a federal program that helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans, including elderly people, by providing them with emergency food and nutrition assistance at no cost. Food boxes are distributed by volunteers and Neighborhood Service Center staff members.
Energy Assistance
Low Income Home Energy Assistance
LIHEAP is a critical life-saving program for the neighbors of Northeast Tennessee.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides aid to the most vulnerable in our society, such as elderly disabled, and homes with small children.
Many of our neighbors struggle to afford their energy costs such as heating, cooling, firewood, coal, and gas.
Sometimes they have to decide between feeding their families or purchasing medication and paying their electric bill.
LIHEAP lifts that burden, so neighbors do not have to choose.
LIHEAP gives neighbors more opportunity to thrive. When they aren’t worried about paying their energy bills, they can dedicate their time to taking care of their families, going back to school, or applying for a new job.
Last year Upper East served 8,346 households through LIHEAP
Weatherization Assistance Program
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of the homes while ensuring the neighbor’s health and safety. It is the nation’s single largest residential whole-house energy efficiency program.
The Weatherization Assistance Program has created an industry, producing new jobs and technologies, all while helping the most vulnerable neighbors in America. Weatherization not only helps households, it also helps revitalize communities by spurring economic growth and reducing environmental impact. After Weatherization, families have homes that are more livable, resulting in fewer missed days of work (i.e. sick days, doctor visits), and decreased out of- pocket medical expenses.
Weatherization differs from LIHEAP in that certified contractors selected through Upper East, physically come into a home and make it more energy efficient.
- Preference is given to the elderly, disabled, and homes with young children.
- Last year, the Weatherization Assistance Program assisted 118 households in Northeast Tennessee.
Are you a contractor? Click Here.
Emergency Assistance
Emergency Assistance is designed to assist neighbors that are “in crisis” situations.
Services include:
- Crisis Assistance
- Employment Services
- USDA Commodity Food Distributions
- Various Food Pantries/Partnerships throughout the region
- Homeless Assistance
- Health Services
- Rent Assistance
The nutrition program is funded through the State of Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
Other Assistance
Each Neighborhood Service Center works hard to assist our neighbors in many ways. It is hard to list all available areas we assist.
Please contact your local Service Center today to discuss your needs.
