Frequently Asked Questions
- All
- Donate a Wheels to Work Car
- General
- Housing Resources
- Partner Agency/Resources
- Programs
- Second Chance Thrift Store
- Shelter
- Volunteers
- Wheels to Work
Location: Where is the Thrift Store located?
Hours: When is the store open?
Tuesday – Saturday
10 am – 4 pm
Why a store? How does this benefit the families we serve?
The proceeds from the Second Chance Thrift Store are used to fund Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing, and Going Home Staying Home – a program for our graduates.
Items: What items are accepted?
We accept gently used books, home decor, kitchen items (pots/pans/utensils), furniture, and toys.
We can take working appliances and working flat-screen TV’s
Seasonal donations two months before that season (for example Christmas items can be donated in October and November.)
Bed frames (no mattresses or box springs see Items: Not accepting
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Please note: it is helpful if you send a photo of the items ahead of time so we ensure we have enough trailer space to pick up the items – Text a photo to (865) 816-9473 (this is a text-only line).
All donations must be made during store hours. If things are left on the porch unfortunately we have to throw them away.
Items: Not Accepting
?Due to limited space we can only take limited amounts of some items – thank you for your patience!
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No clothing
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No hangers
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No console TV’s
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No exercise equipment
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No mattresses
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(Unless you are returning a NEW mattress to a company that will credit your donation as a return.)
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All donations must be made during store hours.
If things are left on the porch unfortunately we have to throw them away.
Pick-up: Do you pick up large items?
Whenever possible, we are happy to pick up large donations such as furniture.
Please call 865-233-4737 and ask to schedule a pick-up time.
Vouchers: What if I need help?
Family Promise of Blount County only gives vouchers directly to our Shelter, Transitional Housing, Going Home Staying Home, and Wheels to Work families.
Vouchers are provided to other families in need ONLY through partnerships with other agencies.
If you need assistance please call 211 Helpline for a list of agencies with available resources. 865-215-4211
Vouchers: How can another agency partner?
We can provide limited assistance to United Way of Blount County partner agencies.
Case managers from outside agencies working with low-income, ALICE, or families at-risk of homelessness please call 865-233-4737 to ask how to become a partner agency.
Social Media: How can I follow the Thrift Store on social media?
Transportation ??
- There is transportation provided to and from the day center and the congregations.
- School buses pick up the children from all 3 school systems.
- Families may use their own cars to accommodate work schedules.
W2W: Who can apply for a car?
- Family Promise Guest
- or a family referred from a partner agency program
- Homeless or at risk of homelessness
- The driver has minor children in custody
- Blount County resident
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to obtain insurance
- Proof of employment
Donate: ? How can I donate a car?
Call 865-233-4737
?Fill out this form? and it will contact Staff to get the process started!
Fill out the online forms here and print or we can prepare them for you to sign at the office (these do not automatically send to Family Promise).
Donate: ?What type of car can I donate?
Does it run? Yes ✅
Any make
Any model
We can take a car that needs minor repairs, but if the cost of repairs totals more than half the value of the car we may have to sell or scrap the vehicle.This money goes back into this program to repair the next vehicle.
W2W: Why is there a lien on the vehicle?
There is a lien for 12 months. The auto insurance company reports to us if the insurance has been paid and is current.
If a driver does not complete the 12-month program the driver will surrender the car and it will go to another driver.
The driver receives the title free of lien after completing the 12-month program.
This is not a gift – the objective is to learn skills that will increase self-sufficiency: Paying on time, getting the oil changed (or other basic maintenance), communicating with Family Promise if there is a problem with the vehicle etc.
Budget: ? Who do I call if I need a budget and financial counseling?
To obtain a Wheels to Work car the driver must complete an approved financial counseling/budget program.
The following are the approved list of partners and resources
- Operation Hope Sue White 865-932-0700
- Good Neighbors 865-681-5420
- Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Find a Class
- several area churches have this program, or there is a virtual option
W2W: AAA?
AAA is provided by the Wheels to Work program for one year.
Our partner is Bruce Smedberg at AAA West Knoxville call him for the Family Promise rate!
W2W: Where can I get car insurance?
You may use any insurance agent or company you choose as long as we have up-to-date cards on file.
Minimum Required Tennessee Car Insurance Coverage
Tennessee drivers must carry the following required minimum car insurance coverages and limits:
- Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $15,000 per accident
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident*
- Uninsured motorist property damage: $15,000 per accident*
Get Quotes:
David Anderson Shelter Insurance
W2W: ? Where can I get my oil changed for free? ?
Beech Grove Baptist Church Car Care Clinic
? 3rd Saturday of the month
? March – October
1519 Topside Road
Louisville, TN 37777
(865) 977-4544
? Motel: Can you help with a motel stay?
Family Promise of Blount County does not have funding for motel stays. Please contact 211 Helpline 865-215-4211.
Volunteer: ⭐ Family Promise Training Online ?
Family Promise Training Modules
Sign up for an account and take module 1.
Take module 2 if you want to volunteer with our families!
There may be more modules on the site in the future – thank you for learning with us!
Volunteer Training: Stewards of Children
?Sign up here for Virtual Stewards of Children?
Why Stewards of Children? Stewards of Children is a free 2-hour prevention training program that teaches all adults how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. The program is designed for organizations that serve youth and for individuals concerned about the safety of children. It is the only nationally distributed, evidence-informed program proven to increase knowledge, improve attitudes, and change child-protective behaviors. Research findings from independent evaluators are available on www.D2L.org. This program allows for 2 contact hours of continuing education.
In partnership with New Hope Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center we are committed to be Partners in Prevention.
Anyone interested in a safer community should attend this training.
We recommend you attend this training if you are an Overnight Host, or have direct contact with our familiesand children when you volunteer.
Volunteer: Code of Conduct
Please read and print the Code of Conduct Here: Code of Conduct SOC-FPB?
Request a copy for e-signature: email info@blountfamilypromise.org
Volunteer: ⏲ How can I turn in my Volunteer “time sheet”
Enter your volunteer hours here! Volunteer Time
It is so important that we be able to track your volunteer hours.
What if I don’t have children? (Seniors, individuals, couples without children, or don’t have custody)
Individuals, couples without children, seniors:
- Housing
- Food
- Transportation
- Legal
- Mental Health/Addictions
- Medical/Dental/Vision
- Employment
- Education
- Domestic Violence
- Holiday Services
- Other (Clothing, Disaster, Public Assistance, Government, Family Support.)
DEI: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement for Family Promise of Blount County
We value and celebrate the unique attributes, characteristics and perspectives that make each person who they are. We believe our strength lies in our diversity among the broad range of people who volunteer, work and are served by our Affiliate. We consider diversity, inclusion and access a driver of our effectiveness and seek out Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement for Family Promise of Blount County.
We value and celebrate the unique attributes, characteristics and perspectives that make each person who they are. We believe our strength lies in our diversity among the broad range of people who volunteer, work and are served by our Affiliate. We consider diversity, inclusion and access a driver of our effectiveness and seek out diversity of participation, thought and action.
We welcome that every person brings a unique perspective and experience to advance our mission of creating a community where every child has a home.
We value each community member, donor, volunteer, client, and employee. We believe each person has the right to equal input to solving community problems.
We strive to include diversity, equity, and inclusion practices at the center of our daily work here in Blount County.
Where can I update my contact information?
?How do I get your newsletter?
🏡 Avoid Housing Scams – resource list
Affordable Housing
Links on our Website
The information on this website is for general informational purposes only. Family Promise of Blount County makes no representation or warranty, express or implied. This site may contain links to third party content, which we do not warrant, endorse, or assume liability for.