Since beginning service at the end of the 1890s, Volunteers of America Mid-States has been actively on the forefront to help individuals.
The organization has been no stranger to the state of Tennessee, along with the “Volunteer State,” Volunteers of America Mid-States has created a presence in Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia and Ohio.
But while having an office in the Knoxville region, Misty Underwood, program director for the local Volunteers of America Mid-States, added that a need within the region saw the organization open up an office in Johnson City last year.
With the manpower and foothold in place, Underwood added the regional office will service eight counties locally, including Carter and Johnson.
“We’re a faith-based organization that provides assistance and supportive services for veterans,” Underwood said.
County Veteran Services Officer David Batchelder added he met with the group Friday, Jan. 6, and described their importance to veterans.
“They’re mission is to work with veterans that are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless,” he said. “They can provide assistance with finding housing for those that are homeless and with utility/rent payments for veterans in danger of becoming homeless.”
Underwood added that one of the issues that arise speaking with veterans from Carter County is with low-income and are in the possible scenario of not making rent or paying utilities.
“They provide a temporary service to help veterans find suitable rental housing,” Batchelder added. “They can also help with budgeting classes to help ensure the veterans are able to manage their finances. They can also provide referrals for employment, if needed.”
Along with serving veterans, Volunteers for America Mid-States also focuses on housing for families and low-income seniors, addiction recovery services for men and women, care and support for individuals with developmental disabilities and HIV testing and education.
According to the organization’s website, they were able to reach over 20,000 people through their services last year. The organization is a local affiliate of Volunteers of America, Inc.
Underwood added that while the organization has had a presence within the state, the new location in Johnson City will be used as a tool to better serve individuals, including veterans, at a regional level.
To receive assistance, veterans must have served on active duty or, if they served in the National Guard or reserves, they had to have been activated by federal orders.
For more information, visit their office in Johnson City, located at 112 E. Myrtle, Suite 401A. Individuals can also learn more by calling (423) 461-0047 or (423) 461-0044.