Lee Erwin reporting

lerwin@clarksvillenow.com

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – There are a number of organizations in Clarksville-Montgomery County that work to help those in need when it comes to providing food and financial support. One such agency is Urban Ministries founded by United Methodist Churches in Clarksville in 1984 to help people meet their basic needs.

One way Urban Ministries carries out their mission to help the local community is through the Grace Assistance Program. Some of the many different ways they assist is with food, utility bills, prescription medication costs and temporary emergency shelter services. They also provide information and referrals to other agencies as needed.

Executive Director of Urban Ministries Grace Assistance Program, Beverly Dycus, talked about the agency’s work in the community. “We help with food, nonperishable as well as fresh foods that are donated to us. We also have baby products, baby food, diapers, and personal hygiene supplies,” said Dycus.

Dycus added the accept donations of food items like soups, fruits, canned meats, canned meals and just ay types of foods. Urban Ministries of course also accepts financial donations and Dycus said that the biggest request from the community right now is help paying utility bills like electric, gas and water.

The homeless program not only provides temporary emergency shelter it also has transportation services along with seasonal needs such as blankets, fans and air conditioners. Back to school clothing and supplies are also available through the Urban Ministries Grace Assistance Program.

“The majority of our budget comes from donations in the community, from individuals, churches, businesses, civic groups, just people in the community who share our mission which is to help our neighbors in need,” Dycus said. Urban Ministries Grace Assistance is also a partner agency with the United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region.

To lend your support or to find out more about Urban Ministries Grace Assistance Program call 931-648-9090 or email beverlydycus@urbanministries.us.