Fayette Cares Supportive Housing Program has rental assistance funds for needy families

“Empowering those in need with Hope, Independence, and Lasting Solutions,” is the slogan of Fayette Cares, a non-profit organization located in Somerville, TN. Founded in 1986, Fayette Cares continues to help residents of Fayette County with homelessness prevention and intervention, domestic violence intervention, and aid for families in financial crisis. Fayette Cares helps over 1,600 residents of Fayette County annually.

Fayette Cares often helps clients with financial assistance. Families in need may turn to Fayette Cares to receive aid in paying for rent or mortgage. Low-income families experiencing a crisis may also receive assistance paying utility bills.

Fayette Cares also offers a shelter. Although Fayette County boasts 35,000 residents, Fayette Cares is the only place to provide shelter to Fayette County residents. Hope’s Cottage, the shelter for Fayette Cares, is a supportive housing program. Hope’s Cottage can accommodate four families at a time and has served as a relief to hundreds in Fayette County during their time of need.

In addition to offering shelter, Fayette Cares also offers life skills training. Residents of Hope’s Cottage may be trained in financial management, permanent housing, career development, parenting skills, domestic violence, and physical and mental health care.

Domestic violence is another issue facing Fayette County that Fayette Cares tackles. Fayette Cares helps battered women secure a safe getaway, transportation, and emergency shelter. Fayette Care also offers victims of domestic violence court accompaniment, legal advocacy, self-defense classes, security systems, and emergency cell phones. Fayette Cares supports a 24-hour domestic violence hotline, which can be reached at 901-466-0015. The hotline service provided by Fayette Cares is free of charge.

Families who suffer from an economic or other crisis can find food assistance at Fayette Cares. Annually, Fayette Cares provides over 18,000 meals to families in need.

Low-income families can also find donated clothing, furniture, and housewares at Fayette Cares. The Fayette Cares’ thrift shop, called the Fayette Cares Good Samaritan Shop, is located at 13300 N. Main St., in Somerville, TN. The Shop is open from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Saturday.

An individual seeking help may go to www.fayettecares.org, and file a request for aid for any of the services described above. Those who file a request for aid should expect to be contacted by a Fayette Cares employee. For more information on Fayette Cares, Inc. or to seek aid, please call 901-465-3802.