CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – When you think of Clarksville Area Urban Ministries, what comes to mind? Of course, a local nonprofit that has been helping those in need for close to 40 years.

Jodi McBryant, executive director of Urban Ministries, said she wants people to know there is a lot to learn about the organization and the services they offer.

Deborah Ashcraft showing free food and other items available for those in need through the Clarksville Area Urban Ministries Grace Assistance Program at 217 S. 3rd Street in Downtown Clarksville on, Sep. 29, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Free food items available for those in need through the Clarksville Area Urban Ministries Grace Assistance Program at 217 S. 3rd Street in Downtown Clarksville on, Sep. 29, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Free food items available for those in need through the Clarksville Area Urban Ministries Grace Assistance Program at 217 S. 3rd Street in Downtown Clarksville on, Sep. 29, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Free food items available for those in need through the Clarksville Area Urban Ministries Grace Assistance Program at 217 S. 3rd Street in Downtown Clarksville on, Sep. 29, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Free food items available for those in need through the Clarksville Area Urban Ministries Grace Assistance Program at 217 S. rd Street in Downtown Clarksville on, Sep. 29, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Executive Director Jodi McBryant, with clothing items available for those in need through the Clarksville Area Urban Ministries Grace Assistance Program at 217 S. 3rd Street in Downtown Clarksville on, Sep. 29, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Items available for children and families in need from the Clarksville Area Urban Ministries Grace Assistance Program at 217 S. 3rd Street in Downtown Clarksville on, Sep. 29, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Free food items available for those in need through the Clarksville Area Urban Ministries Grace Assistance Program at 217 S. 3rd Street in Downtown Clarksville on, Sep. 29, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Free food items available for those in need through the Clarksville Area Urban Ministries Grace Assistance Program at 217 S. 3rd Street in Downtown Clarksville on, Sep. 29, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Clothing items available for those in need through the Clarksville Area Urban Ministries Grace Assistance Program at 217 S. 3rd Street in Downtown Clarksville on, Sep. 29, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Clothing items available for those in need through the Clarksville Area Urban Ministries Grace Assistance Program at 217 S. 3rd Street in Downtown Clarksville on, Sep. 29, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Free food items available for those in need through the Clarksville Area Urban Ministries Grace Assistance Program at 217 S. 3rd Street in Downtown Clarksville on, Sep. 29, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
The office of Clarksville Area Urban Ministries Grace Assistance Program at 217 S. 3rd Street in Downtown Clarksville on, Sep. 29, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
The office of Clarksville Area Urban Ministries Grace Assistance Program at 217 S. 3rd Street in Downtown Clarksville on, Sep. 29, 2022. (Lee Erwin).

“A lot of people have heard the name Urban Ministries, but they don’t necessarily know what it is. We want to start building that awareness of where we are, what we do, how they can help, and that we have two different programs,” McBryant said. Those two programs are the Grace Assistance Program and SafeHouse.

Food, clothing, help with bills

With the Grace Assistance Program, also known as GAP, they try to fill the gap in people’s lives, and everything is free. With what’s happening with the economy right now, McBryant said they are seeing more and more homeless, and the number of people who need food and clothing is rising every day.

Urban Ministries offers free food boxes, free clothing, free hygiene items, vouchers for riding Clarksville Transit System buses, and in some cases gas vouchers. McBryant said the organization can also help with utilities, which she said is a huge problem right now.

“We try to do as much as we can to help you with whatever needs we can help you with,” McBryant said. Case workers can assist people with getting their identification or other documentation together to help rebuild their lives, and notary services are also available.

SafeHouse for shelter from abuse

Another program of Urban Ministries is SafeHouse, which provides support and advocates for domestic violence victims.

A new facility is under renovation for SafeHouse which will house 53 beds when completed, likely in spring 2023. The main level will be an emergency domestic violence shelter, with another level providing transitional housing.

SafeHouse has both a residential and nonresidential program. They have case managers and others who help with anything the client needs.

“There’s a lot on the horizon for continued growth, continued expansion, and continuing to see opportunities and ways in which we can expand to meet the needs of our community. We need to be there to answer the call,” McBryant said.

How to give help, get help

With colder weather on the way, Urban Ministries has a winter coat distribution set for Oct. 27 and 28, and plans are underway for a cold weather emergency shelter. A turkey distribution is planned for November, with a Christmas for Kids event with toys in December.

The Grace Assistance Program of Urban Ministries is located at 217 S. Third St., and it’s open to help people Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-noon.

To learn more about Clarksville Area Urban Ministries, to donate or volunteer, visit the Urban Ministries website, visit Urban Ministries on Facebook or Instagram page, email executivedirector@urbanministries.us, or call 931-648-9090.

SafeHouse also has a Domestic Violence Crisis Hotline number, 931-552-6900.