Get Help

Life can be unpredictable and challenging. Whether it's a sudden car breakdown, an unexpected illness, the emotional toll of a divorce, the heartbreak of losing a loved one, or the financial strain of losing a job, any of these events can quickly disrupt a family's budget and stability. Additionally, ongoing circumstances such as low wages, single parenthood, or other financial challenges can make it difficult to make ends meet on a day-to-day basis.

If you need food or financial assistance, you can start the process by filling out our online application. A staff member will review your request and contact you within 48 hours to verify your information and discuss the next steps.

Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee immediate assistance. A staff member must confirm your request before services can be provided.

How to Receive Assistance

Step 1: Apply for Assistance

To begin the application process for assistance, you can start in one of two ways:

• Call Us: Contact us at 615-441-0076, Monday through Thursday, between 9 AM and noon.
• Fill Out our Online Form: Complete our request form [HERE]. A staff member will reach out within 48 hours to verify your information and/or schedule a time for food pickup.

Please note that submitting the online form does not guarantee immediate assistance. You must speak with a staff member to complete the process.

Step 2: Provide Required Information and Documents

During your initial contact, whether by phone or after submitting the online form, a staff member will ask a few questions, review any documents you uploaded, and explain if additional information is needed. If you have not uploaded the required documents through the form, you will be guided on how to provide them.

Food Assistance:

• To request food assistance, you can either call us at 615-441-0076 between 9 AM and noon or fill out our online form.
• Households are eligible to receive food assistance once per month.
• A staff member will schedule a pickup time in the alley behind Ragan's Arcade and will follow up with you to confirm details.
• If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, please let us know so we can best accommodate your needs.

Financial Assistance

• To request financial assistance, you can call us between 1 PM and 3 PM or fill out our online form. A staff member will follow up with you to review your request and discuss next steps.
• Utility Assistance: Provide your most recent bill or shut-off notice. If the bill is not in your name, we require a signed statement from the account holder.
• Prepaid Electric Accounts: Provide a current "My Usage" statement from Dickson Electric Service.
• Rent/Mortgage Assistance: Provide a lease or statement AND a late notice.
• Medication Assistance: Provide a current prescription. We assist with maintenance medications such as blood pressure, hormones, diabetes, and cholesterol. We do NOT provide assistance for pain medications, controlled substances, or narcotics.

Step 3: Receive Assistance

Once your application and documents are reviewed and approved, you will receive assistance as follows:

• For food assistance, you will receive a scheduled pickup time in the alley behind Ragan's Arcade.
• For financial assistance, we will make direct payments to your landlord, utility company, pharmacy, or other service provider on your behalf.
  

Eligibility Requirements

To receive assistance, you will need to provide the following documents:

1.   Proof of Dickson County Residency

• Utility bill
• Lease
• Driver's license
• State identification
• Any other official document that denotes residency (e.g., current lease)

2.   Proof of Income

• Recent pay stub
• SSI – disability letter
• Previous year's tax return
• Bank statement
• Letter from employer
• Social Security letter
• Copy of checks

3.   Personal Identification

• Valid and current driver's license
• State identification
• Passport
• Photo work ID
• Photo student ID
• IRS-issued W7 card