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After a cooler-than-average June, the heat index has increased in the Lakeway Area. There is no opportune time to be in need of basic necessities, but the sweltering heat makes living essentials even more important.

Several non-profit organizations in Hamblen County have risen to the challenge to help those in need beat the heat in several ways.

Central Services

Central Services is centered on providing financial assistance and crisis counseling to those in need. This organization is nearly fully funded by community donations. One of the programs that can be included in Central Services’ benefits is known as LIHEAP, or the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program. With the summer heat reaching up all the way into the 80s as of late, more air conditioning will be needed to cool homes than for the spring or milder summer weather. LIHEAP is just one way in which Hamblen County’s non-profit organizations improve the lives of their patrons in the heat of summer.

One of the unique programs Central Services offers is that of medication aid which simply entails a partnership between local pharmacies and Central Services where medication is made available to those who cannot afford to pay for it themselves.

The medication assistance program might give those struggling financially a chance to better afford cooling for their homes in the heat. Members are able to sign up for LIHEAP any day in the month of April, July, and October, and the medication assistance program may be applied for at any time by calling Central Services and asking to be placed on their backlog.

MATS

In conjunction with needing a way to pay for air conditioning, some community members do not have a way to get out of the heat. MATS works to provide temporary housing for individuals experiencing homelessness all year-round, though it is particularly important with outdoor temperatures being dangerously high. MATS has seen an uptick of those in need for shelter and housing since the end of June.

Life obstacles such as eviction, raises in rent and overall utility costs being higher than wages earned have likely contributed to the increase of people needing assistance as well.

One of the ways to indirectly donate to a cause is through MATS’ annual summer Victory Concert, a fundraising event which takes place on Saturday, August 19 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 each and all proceeds from the concert go to the organizations’ donations and services.

Daily Bread

It is no secret that hunger and starvation are common consequences of homelessness, and even more so during extreme seasons such as summer and winter. Hungering individuals can go to Downtown Morristown’s Daily Bread where they serve two meals daily to those in need. Larry Shropshire, Daily Bread’s Executive Director, stresses that there is extra water for the particularly hot days ahead, and plenty of extra food as well.

Shropshire is adamant on sending remaining food donations home with clients. It is important to note, he said, that struggling families tend to face additional challenges in the span of June to August due to the likelihood of higher temperatures.

Food on Foot

Food on Foot specifically serves children that are hungry, or those who have limited access to food.

It is for this season of closed school cafeterias specifically that Food on Foot makes it a priority to service the hungering population beyond non-perishables – to include local farm fresh food and water.

On July 15, the organization will have fresh eggs and corn in addition to usual non-perishable items for the community. Carolyn Jarnigan named both the surrounding community volunteers/donors and Gilbert Farms as the main suppliers, both of which the mission would not be possible.

Though Food on Foot will not turn away disadvantaged adults, they do place emphasis on serving the children and adolescent population.

Taking place for the entire month of July leading up to the back-to-school season is the open application for children needing school supplies. Forms can be found at the Food on Foot office located at 1 Berkline Drive, Morristown, TN 37813.

Higher temperatures seem to call for an increase in donations to those in need. Local non-profits serving the Lakeway region are working diligently against the heat to ensure that no underprivileged person is under served.

As members of Morristown and the surrounding areas, individuals can offer up any time or resources and know that they are having a positive impact on their community.