Assistance Dashboard
If you are looking for assistance within our community, get connected with local partners below! You will find local resources and programs as well as information on the 211 help line.
One of the fastest ways to find help is by utilizing 211, Tennessee’s help line. This is a free service available by simply dialing 2-1-1 and speaking to an agent who can help connect you to the services you need.
Heisse Johnson Hand Up Fund
Assistance Type: Electric/Utilities
The Heisse Johnson Hand Up Fund is a program to underwrite a portion of the utility bills for families and individuals that might otherwise face the loss of service in their homes because of insufficient means.
In 1989, through the vision of the Rev. Dr. Heisse Johnson, the Hand Up Fund became a reality. The success of this program was enhanced by BrightRidge, Atmos Energy, and as of June 2013 the Jonesborough Water Department, allowing customers to designate specific amounts on their utility bills for the Hand Up Fund.
Appalachian Opportunity Fund
Assistance Type: Financial Coaching
Are you feeling overwhelmed by financial stress? Do you want to take control of your finances and build a brighter future? Appalachian Opportunity Fund (AOF) is here to help. AOF is dedicated to building community wealth by providing free financial coaching in Central Appalachia.
AOF’s program is designed to benefit everyone from middle-income households to those who are part of the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population (or earn above the Federal Poverty Level but still struggle to afford basic living costs).
Appalachian Mountain Project Access
Assistance Type: Healthcare
Project Access provides access to specialty medical care at no cost to the residents of their 21-county service area in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, who lack health insurance and are unable to afford the medical care they need.
Project Access has over 800 participating medical providers and a network of care that includes hospitals, community clinics, health care centers, physician’s offices, and specialty care providers. Appalachian Mountain Project Access receives direct referrals from providers, health departments, community clinics, and faith-based centers for patients who are uninsured and have specialty care needs.
Tennessee Benefit Kitchen
Assistance Type: Benefit Screening
Each year, 103 million Americans leave $80 billion in public benefits unclaimed. United Way is committed to ensuring that struggling families in our state are aware of the benefits for which they qualify and know how to apply for them. The Tennessee Benefit Kitchen is a free screener that all Tennesseans can use to determine eligibility for several tax credits and many federal, state, and local public benefits – and to access the application sites to apply for those for which they qualify.
Tennessee residents can simply text “Benefits” to 211-211, and they receive a series of screener texts to see what they may qualify for. The screener should take 5-10 minutes to complete. Once completed, they immediately receive notice of tax credits and benefits for which they are eligible, along with the links to apply to each benefit. The tax credits and benefits covered in the screener currently include a wide range of options from Food Stamps (SNAP) and Cash Assistance (TANF) to the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Home Energy Assistance (HEAP).
Text “Benefits” to 211-211 or visit the online application at https://app.benefitkitchen.com/tool.
East Tennessee Disaster Recovery
Assistance Type: Disaster Recovery
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Carter, Cocke, Greene, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington Counties in East Tennessee face a long and difficult road to recovery. Families have been displaced, homes destroyed, and vital infrastructure damaged. The Long-Term Recovery Groups in these counties are committed to rebuilding our communities stronger than ever.
If your home or property were damaged by recent natural disasters, you are encouraged to reach out to the Long-Term Recovery Group serving your county. Case managers and volunteers are in place to help build back what has been lost.
Non-Profit Partnerships
United Way of East TN Highlands fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in Washington, Carter, and Johnson counties in Northeast TN. In this endeavor, United Way will invite nonprofit organizations to apply for Partner Agency status. Investment amounts will be determined by United Way in relation to outcomes compared to other similar partners. Investments over multiple years are contingent on funds availability and Partner Agency performance.
If your organization is interested in partnering with United Way of East TN Highlands, please review our partnership inquiry information.