A group of concerned Fentress County leaders have formed a new non-profit designed to address the needs of the area’s unsheltered population. The mission of The Community House, Inc. is to reach, love, serve, and empower those in need by helping them break the cycle of poverty and assisting those at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

A Place of Healing, A Path to Independence

Executive Director of the new organization, Rachelle Kerr, describes the vision for the physical location of The Community House as a productive farm with a beautiful farmhouse at its center, a place for gathering, healing, growing, and learning. “This setting will allow those in need to get away from negative influences, embrace a healthy lifestyle, experience the beauty of hard work, and receive personalized support and case management,” she explains. “There will be pavilions, gardens, livestock, honey bees, a playground, firepits, tiny homes, and quaint apartments on this farm. This farm will provide housing for families and individuals struggling with homelessness.”

The Community House was founded to provide a continuum of care in cooperation with other area organizations rather than duplicate the efforts of the county’s many worthwhile outreaches. For example, access to free mental health and addiction recovery services will be offered in collaboration with Manna House Ministries. The organization will also hold routine medical clinics, including vision and dental services, conducted with the help of local medical volunteers and Field Missions of Tennessee. Vocational, occupational, and life-skills training will be offered through partnerships with area colleges and technical schools.

Once fully operational, services offered will include:

• Emergent housing
• Free mental health services
• Free in-house clinics for medical, vision, and dental through collaboration with partner agencies
• Empowerment center offering various vocational/occupational training, gardening, financial counseling, and life-skills
• Arrange opportunities to voluntarily engage in fellowship and mentoring for personal growth
• Provide access to substance use treatment and recovery support; addiction/recovery classes/support available
• Coordinate outreach events in the community to bring food and services to the public

“So Many Residents are Struggling”

Fentress County is designated as an “at-risk” county by the state. About 41.4 percent of residents are at or below the poverty level, according to 2022 statistics (city-data.com). Rising inflation and a shortage of affordable housing have further impacted our region. “We are seeing a dramatic increase in the number of individuals and families struggling to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table,” notes Kerr. “With a substantial influx of new residents and our current economy, rent costs have dramatically increased, and the cost to purchase a starter home is beyond the reach of many residents.”

Currently, those seeking shelter must be transported to Crossville or Cookeville shelters, 30 and 50 miles away, respectively. They cannot stay in the shelter during the day, and those in treatment in Fentress County must travel back and forth daily. One result is that those in substance abuse recovery in Fentress County often have no choice but to return to unhealthy environments, which leads to relapse.

Fentress County also has families that are experiencing homelessness. Many shelters outside our community are unable to house families. TCH will be set up to accommodate families as well as individuals.

Immediate Goals and Community Support

The organization is seeking funding through grants and donations needed to establish its physical location.

In the meantime, they will be offering services such as:

• outreach events, providing free hot meals, clothing, and other services
• medical, dental, and vision clinics utilizing a team of local volunteer providers
• a centralized calendar/directory of free resources and services

While rated as “at-risk” regarding poverty level, Fentress County is still known for its generosity to those in need. TCH has already received donations from individuals in the community who came forward of their own volition to support the outreach efforts.  As a 501(c)3  non-profit organization, TCH accepts bequests and donations from private individuals, businesses, and charitable trusts, both monetary and in-kind. TCH will also seek state and federal funding through matching grants and other programs. However, private donations are the key measure of community support. Plans for a radiothon, community canvassing, farm-to-table events, and more are underway.

The board of The Community House is led by nine key community leaders representing city government, area outreach organizations, and businesses. This unified team well represents Fentress County’s beautiful and selfless spirit.

A planning meeting with state, county, and city government representatives this Spring further cemented the area’s support for this endeavor. Opportunities for state grants, housing initiatives, and funding opportunities were presented. All in attendance recognized the need for shelter / emergent housing and supportive services in Fentress County.

The Community House is a also member of HART, Homeless Advocacy in Rural Tennessee, the HUD clearinghouse for the region. This membership connects TCH to supportive, like-minded organizations, best practices, data, and funding sources.

As mentioned previously, The Community House is blessed to have the support of countless elected officials and community leaders. Jacob Rosenbaum and Seth Vaughn of The Fentress County Chamber of Commerce have openly supported The Community House. As Seth voiced recently, “We believe that the work being done by The Community House is not only necessary but transformative for our community. As we strive to be people of progress in our community, we recognize that organizations like The Community House are essential to fostering growth, stability, and resilience among our most vulnerable populations.”

Cindy Smith, with the Fentress Hope Foundation, is on The Community House Board. “In our work at the Hope Foundation, we encounter people daily who need housing. It breaks my heart. They need a fresh start, job training, medical care, and more. When I heard about The Community House forming, I immediately talked with my fellow board members at the Hope Foundation.  It was a great conversation and I truly believe they join me in seeing this as a great need in our community.  With what we have learned in being part of the Hope Foundation, I am certain we are part of one of the best communities on the map. I am excited to ask our community to join us in this dream and see it become a reality.”

William Webb, Director of Manna House Ministries, notes that, “Access to stable housing is key to successful recovery, and until now has been an unmet need.” Webb states they have people in treatment at The Manna House right now with no safe place to stay. “The Community House will be a huge help to our patients.”

“TCH desires to give people hope and the necessary help to break the cycle of poverty, while surrounding them with the power, beauty, support, and love of community,” summarizes Rachelle Kerr.