Throughout its history, Morgan-Scott Project has enabled this community by sponsoring needed projects, then spinning them off as independently managed organizations. Examples have been Appalachia Habitat, Plateau Home School, and Highland Hope School, as well as several libraries and clinics. This year we completed the spin-off of the Scott County Homeless Shelter.
In 2008 it became apparent that many families who applied for help at Morgan-Scott Project were in need of shelter. Local law enforcement made us aware that many families were living in tents near the rivers. Some refused to ask for help because they were afraid of losing their children if Children’s Services became aware of their circumstances. These families were able to survive during the summer, but were in great need in the winter. With this in mind MSP decided to sponsor a homeless shelter in Scott County.
Late in 2008 MSP Executive Director Ella Smith applied for and received a $14,000 start-up grant from the Housing Assistance Counsel. Scott County agreed to provide a run down school building in Huntsville for $1 per year and agreed to pay the utilities for the first year. The school building was converted into five bright, cheerful apartment-like rooms capable of sheltering up to 25 people plus a caretaker’s apartment. Gerald Voiles was hired as Executive Director.
The Scott County Homeless shelter opened for business on February 13, 2009. During the first year of operation, food and shelter was provided for 32 men, 37 women, and 21 children for a total of 2,046 bed stays. In addition to Scott County, it has served the needs of the homeless in Morgan, Fentress and Campbell counties.
While there, every effort is made to find jobs and permanent housing for those served. The Shelter provides applications for local housing options to give to residents, posts classified adds from the weekly paper showing rental options, and keeps applications on file of companies that could be hiring. In addition, the residents meet with a case manager weekly to discuss their progress and to explore additional options for income and housing.
In January, 2010, the Scott County Homeless Shelter received its 501(c)3 designation, making it an independent non-profit agency, completing the intended spin-off from MSP (MSP Director Ella Smith continues to serve of the Board of Directors of the homeless shelter). Congratulations to Ella for initiating this project and to Gerald Voiles for taking the day-to-day leadership. Funds to support the shelter are a continuing need. If you would like to contribute, you can send gifts to:
Scott County Homeless Shelter, 1513 Jeffers Road, PO Box 164, Huntsville, TN 37726
Article by Ray Boles
great post as usual!