CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — Clarksville Area Urban Ministries will be closed on Monday to prepare for special operations to provide food and other assistance in a safe manner beginning on Tuesday.
“Our goal is to meet the most urgent needs of this community in a way that protects those seeking help and those who so graciously serve,” Urban Ministries Executive Director CC Carmack-Wheeler said.
The measures are being implemented according to public health guidance designed to limit the nationwide spread of coronavirus.
Drive-Up Food Distribution
Urban Ministries special operations will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, or while supplies last. A limited number of food bags will be distributed in the Commerce Street parking lot of Madison Street United Methodist Church. This will be a drive-thru distribution, and those seeking help will not have to leave their vehicles to receive food. Participants must provide a photo ID and proof of residency for Clarksville-Montgomery County, such as a piece of mail that shows their home address.
A second drive-thru distribution will take place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, March 20, while supplies last. The same requirements apply for proof of identity and residency.
“I would ask that only those persons who are in true need take advantage of this assistance. There are many people who didn’t have the resources to stock up when others were rushing out to stores to get food. Then there’s those who may see their income affected because of certain closures and an inability to work. So many factors make this a difficult time for our community. Our goal is to provide support for those in the greatest need and spread that help as far as possible,” notes Carmack-Wheeler.
Utility Bill and Prescription Medication Assistance
Utility bill payment and prescription medication assistance will be available by appointment only. To schedule an appointment call (931) 648-9090. Once an appointment is scheduled, applicants must bring the following to the appointment to receive utility bill assistance:
• Photo ID for the applicant.
• Social Security cards for every member of the household.
• Proof of income for the past 4-8 weeks for all members of the household over the age of 18.
• The original bill and cut-off notice.
• Printed documentation of regular monthly bills like rent/mortgage, other utilities and phone bills.
• All applicants are subject to income guidelines.
For details on prescription medication assistance call (931) 643-9090.
“We will continue to monitor this situation as it unfolds to determine the greatest needs and how to meet them. At the moment we are only making plans a few days out at a time due to the fluid nature of this crisis. Residents should follow local media and the Urban Ministries Facebook page for updates,” Carmack-Wheeler said.
