NeedLink Nashville

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contact information

Phone: 615-269-6835

Hours: Open

Mon 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM (EST)

Tue 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM (EST)

Wed Closed

Thu Closed

Fri Closed

Sat Closed

Sun Closed

Website: https://www.needlink.org/

Email: info@needlink.org

NTEE Code: L82: Housing Expense Reduction Support

MISSION - WHAT WE DO

NeedLink Nashville helps our neighbors meet their most basic needs in times of crisis by providing short-term assistance and links to other resources.

SERVICES - HOW WE DO IT

Emergency Utility Assistance NeedLink’s utility assistance program has helped Nashvillians since 1912. Our organization began as "Big Brothers" and provided firewood, loads of coal, and tins of heating oil to keep our neighbors warm. Food baskets were delivered to those in need. Over time NeedLink began working with those needing emergency assistance with unforeseen expenses affecting utility continuance and rent payments. In Nashville today, high living costs make it difficult to save, so an unexpected car repair, a health issue, or a lay-off can spark a financial crisis. Utility bills go unpaid, a cut-off notice arrives, but there is just not enough money to stay afloat.The need greatly outpaces available resources. Approximately 7000 requests are received each year now, NeedLink is generally able to help 35% to 40% of our the clients We also worked to bring homeless Nashvillians into housing. NeedLink Program Directors personally consult with all the families seeking assistance enabling them to benefit from the services available through NeedLink, but also guiding them to additional resources available in Nashville. 3500 such referrals were made last year involving more than 60 NeedLink Partners.A household is eligible assistance once every 12 months, and all payments are made directly to utility companies or landlords. We target payments for maximum benefit and provide resource counseling that helps sustain housing stability. Holiday Food Boxes Since 1912, volunteers from across Nashville have gathered to package and deliver food to low-income families and seniors. Last year, NeedLink’s annual food box delivery supplied 200 low-income households with staples like spaghetti, rice, beans, and peanut butter, along with fresh fruit and vegetables.For those struggling to make ends meet, a full kitchen refrigerator and cupboard restores a level of comfort during the holidays. Some recipients tell us the food box enables them to invite family for a holiday dinner. Many are appreciative of extra food while their children are home on winter break. Others, especially seniors, are simply grateful that someone remembered them at the holidays. Emergency Rental Assistance Rents for small apartments in Nashville have risen sharply in recent years. Many seniors families in affordable rental homes have been displaced as two houses are constructed in the place of the one where they lived. It's nearly impossible for seniors living on a fixed income, families working low-wage jobs, and people with disabilities to get by without a little bit of help. Even "affordable" housing rents can be difficult to keep up with for those working part-time jobs with unpredictable hours or living on a fixed income. NeedLink's rental assistance program helps people living in income-based housing, who are most at risk of becoming homeless if evicted. We also assist people with deposit costs that help them obtain income-based housing when they have previously been homeless, doubled up, living in motel rooms or in their cars. NeedLink continues to increase funding for this program, and is dedicating $70,000 to helping people get into and maintain housing. . Because the need continues to outpace our available resources, we partner with other homelessness prevention and rehousing partners throughout the city to make sure people can access the program that will best address their particular needs.

Causes

Services Offered

  • Emergency Assistance
  • Low-Income & Subsidized Rental
  • Mobile Food Delivery Services

Populations Served

  • Economically Disadvantaged People

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