Our Programs:
Tennessee Out-Reach Center for Homeless was founded in 2012 to assist those in Anderson County who have recently lost their housing and have no-where else to go. Though we are trying to grow and offer more assistance to help those in need, TORCH is a very small organization, and the only one of our kind in Anderson County. Demand for our assistance is very high. We are currently experiencing an extremely large number of people who are reporting that they are living outside or in their cars.
In order to help us help you faster we ask that you review this paper work and, if you feel you might qualify for services, to continue by filling out our application form. Below are some of the services we currently offer and their qualifications.
TORCH Help Line and Coordinated Entry
A centralized helpline where individuals in crisis can call to be assessed by trained staff, who determine eligibility for TORCH services or connect them with the most appropriate partner agency. This ensures that people experiencing or at risk of homelessness are guided into the correct support system quickly and efficiently.
Street Out-Reach
Our outreach team directly engages with individuals living unsheltered, providing essential supplies and pathways to housing and supportive services. The goal is to build trust and help people transition from the streets into stable housing.
Rapid Recovery Response
A specialized program that supports individuals experiencing both homelessness and substance use challenges. The case manager works quickly to connect people with appropriate drug and alcohol treatment programs, helping them stabilize and begin their recovery.
Rapid Rehousing
A program that helps individuals and families move from homelessness into permanent housing as quickly as possible. TORCH provides support and ongoing case management to help ensure long-term stability.
Bookehart Village and Agape House
Non-communal shelters that provide families experiencing homelessness with a safe place to stay while they await long-term housing. These programs offer supportive services to help families stabilize and transition successfully into permanent housing.
Winter Shelter efforts
Seasonal emergency shelter services provided during extreme cold weather, ensuring individuals experiencing homelessness have a warm, safe place to stay. TORCH partners with local churches to provide and coordinate this shelter.
Qualifications:
You must be homeless by HUD’s definition. You must be living in your car, camping at a campsite, living in an abandoned building without utilities, or fleeing an abusive relationship. In order to obtain financial assistance for your case TORCH must prove that you are homeless.
This can be done in the following ways:
- A referral from an agency that knows you and knows your situation. ADFAC, United Way, Salvation Army, KARM, Ridgeview, Helen Ross McNabb, any area food bank, or any area church can provide a referral as long as it states that you are homeless and where you have to sleep at night. (Referrals from friends, family, or your boss will not be accepted.)
- A homeless outreach case manager can visit you at the site where you sleep.
Documentation Needed:
The following documentation is needed for each case. Obtaining these before your appointment will help your case move faster:
- Proof that you are homeless (explained above).
- Identification(if you do not have we can help you obtain).
- Any proof of income (SSI benefits letter, food stamp letter, pay stubs).
* TORCH Rapid Rehousing cannot provide homeless assistance to people in need that are staying with friends or family members. We understand that this rule can be very frustrating for many in need. Often we hear the plea “But I am going to be homeless” or “You mean I have to be on the streets before I can get help.” Unfortunately, at this time there are simply not enough resources to assist everyone who is living outside and everyone who lives with friends or family.
In addition, TORCH operates from a ‘no wrong door” approach. This means that as long as you qualify for services, there is no specific or narrow criteria required to receive help. We accept walk-ins, and we can begin the intake process directly through our helpline or in person.