OF OAK RIDGE, TENNESSEE
Source and Use of Resources
The Storehouse accepts, stores, and distributes almost every type of household goods, including stoves, washers, dryers, refrigerators, small appliances, mattresses and bed frames, pillows, dining tables and chairs, sofas and chairs, dressers, miscellaneous tables, area rugs, sheets, blankets and pillow cases, curtains and draperies, towels and wash cloths, pots and pans, and silverware and cooking utensils. The only requirement is that the goods must be usable, that is, appliances must work, chairs and tables must have four functional legs, dishes and glasses must be serviceable. Construction material, inoperable appliances, broken furniture, and gas and kerosene appliances are never accepted.
There are two sources from which the items are acquired. The primary source is the community. Through newspaper articles and word of mouth, people learn of the Storehouse's ministry and turn over their old household goods for reuse. Most of these donations are picked up on Saturday mornings by volunteers from the church in charge for the month. Other donations are brought in by the donor during the week when the Storehouse is open. Some smaller items that are not donated in sufficient quantity are purchased. Items typically purchased are bed frames, heaters, fans, towels, silverware, and cookware.
Although the Storehouse does not require much in the way of operating money to perform its ministry, there are expenses. In addition to paying for the items mentioned above, cash donations from churches, individuals, the United Way, and grants are also used for the rent, utilities, and other basic necessities to operate the building. Some of the items obtained to supplement donated goods are bought from local businesses at cost.
Most of the clients served by Ecumenical Storehouse live in Anderson County, but clients also come from Roane, Campbell, Morgan, and Scott Counties. Many of the clients are from among the vast number of Appalachian poor in the area. Other clients have generally been able to make it on their own, but a house fire has destroyed everything. Still others are abused women, sent by the YWCA for assistance in establishing a new home. All are in need, and they have nowhere else to turn for the service the Storehouse provides.
The Ecumenical Storehouse provides its services only by referral from area churches and recognized area support agencies, such as YWCA Shelter, Red Cross, Ridgeview (Psychiatric) Hospital, Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties, Tennessee Department of Human Services, HOPE, and Anderson County Community Action Committee. Each client must bring a written referral signed by a church or agency official, who has personal knowledge of the client's need. These referrals are valid for two years.