Wow, ARCH is the FIRST place the homeless should go when needing assistance. ARCH is an outstanding organization that goes far beyond providing food and housing. They are truly a grassroots outreach organization that serves the depths of the Tri-Cities, creating a sustainable future for anyone who walks through their doors.
I found myself homeless at the ending of a relationship with no money and nowhere to go... i slept in my car or in a tent for 2 months before hearing about ARCH. it has been 2 years since they helped me with the deposits i needed to get established in a place to live! I am still maintaining that same address... it would not have been possible for me to have come up with all that money myself as i am on disability and make less then $600 a month...Thank you to organizations like these, you have inspired me to start up my own non Profit organization to hlpe homeless people. I am desperately needing volunteers with the startup... if you have any knowledge or experience in this field please contact me via email. Shellea1976@gmail.com please include "project angel wings" in the subject line.
In my experience ARCH has taken from federal funds to expand an organization that was originally intended to help other agencies in NE Tenn. They accepted $500K in funds to help people but they only will accept 3 or 4 people a week in Johnson City and are currently closed due to "lack of funds." They are known to have close ties to Kingsport Housing with Board members being from Kingsport Housing which appears to be a conflict of interest since most of their services seem to go to Kingsport Housing.
ARCH has been a godsend to our area of Northeast TN. Before its inception, there was little consistent regional advocacy, and coordination of services for the homeless and others in need. Since coming on the scene, ARCH has been the catalyst behind bringing a diverse group of concerned individuals, community service providers, government agencies,area churches and schools, and others together, on a routine basis, to passionately and creatively address the needs of the homeless and others. To highlight: ARCH has provided leadership with identifying and a variety of complex problems related to homelessness, both at the local and regional level; ARCH personnel and volunteers have written and coordinated the writing of many new successful grant proposals. The funds from these grants have led to the creation of/and expansion of housing programs,and many community services for the homeless and others at risk; and, ARCH routinely coordinates HUD-mandated point-in-time count projects and makes the data collected available for use by member agencies. Our region benefits in so many ways from the efforts of ARCH.
Hello, I would like to share a story about a woman I once knew. Her name is Missy. Many years ago, she was living on the streets, addicted to drugs and alcohol. She wasn't always homeless and did not choose the life she was living. In her previous life, things were much different. Missy was a single mother raising her 8 year old son, working full time as a certified nursing assistant. Things were pretty rough at times but she always seemed to manage and figure out a way to get by. Unfortunately, things changed drastically in her life. Missy lost her job and sebsequently lost her home, therby forcing to make some of the hardest decisions she would ever have to make. Because her relationship with her parents was always strained she was forced to leave her son with them. Nothing seemed to matter to Missy after that day. Missy ended up living in 6 states, just surviving. She lived on the streets, sleeping in aisles,parks, cars, tents, and rest areas. She ate out of trash cans and even stole food. After some kids had been taunting her and throwing rocks at her. She suddenly had no reason to live, no purpose. She had planned to bring it all to an end. As it turned out, God had other things in store. I can share this story with you because this woman I once knew was "ME". I told you this story because God gave me the opportuntiy to be blessed. I don't feel like a victim. "I feel victorious because of people like Arch and other agencies that have been such a big part of my like. That cared about that hurt person, instead of closing their eyes to it! I got a second chance to be a productive citizen because of people like you who care about people like me, just "Ordinary me". I don't have to say, PLEASE GOD WHY! anymore. I know why: Because I am fearless and wonderfully made!! Since then I have earned my bachelors degree in criminal justice,and social work. I am now employed working in the helping field as a case worker. I also recently purchased my first home with the help of Arch and eastern eight. sometimes All you need is someone to believe in you! Thank you, could never be enough. Melissa
I first became associated with ARCH around 2002 while working for Creative Energy, a local advertising agency who was helping out with promotional materials for ARCH. My knowledge was limited at the time but I have since, in recent years, become much more aware of the wonderful impact they are having, not only in the local community, but throughout the northeast Tennessee region. In 2007, I was appointed to attend monthly ARCH meetings at the request of my supervisor at Tennessee Community Services Agency. Through these meetings,my volunteer work with point-in-time and the 2008 Gala planning, I have witnessed an organization brimming with passionate and concerned leaders who have unified in one accord to bring hope and relief to those suffering from homelessness in our area. I am amazed at how far the organization has come and at how many lives have been impacted since the inception. I hold ARCH, the Board and members in highest regard and look forward to seeing many more individuals and families set free from the grip of homelessness through the mission and efforts of this wonderful organization.