There are many reasons for needing a shower trailer in Maynardville to help those who are living rough, do not have running water or need a hand up. The TN Valley Coalition for the Homeless (TVCH) has been taking this trailer to 12 rural counties, and this month has started a relationship with Union County. Their trained staff does an intake for each client – a chat to see what needs they can meet. Director of Outreach, Macrea Love, said that the intake “helps us better cater to each person’s individual needs. Based on their income, lack of income, or disability, we can advise them on what programs are available to help them.” A shower is just a small part of the free services that TVCH provides.

There are two private showers in this trailer. The large one has a hydraulic lift for anyone in a wheelchair or who has difficulty climbing the three steps up into the shower. Showers are timed at 15 minutes each and are sanitized between clients. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, clean hand towels, bath towels, and free purple hygiene bags go to every participant. Macrea has small food boxes containing protein bars, jerky, and canned goods for each client. The shower trailer stocks supplies of sleeping bags and tents in case they encounter someone who needs them. There are boxes and boxes of new clothing and underwear (sized from small to extra-large) and even compression socks. And, to my amazement, gorgeous steel-toed boots/shoes were donated to TVCH by Elliott’s Boots in Knoxville. Shout out to Elliot's Boots!

The shower trailer is free. But where does the water and electricity to run the shower come from? Or where does the grey water go? This is where our Mayor Jason Bailey stepped up. The shower trailer is located at Heritage Park. This new lot with utilities was created for food trucks to set up for the Farmers Market, Heritage shows, or any other event there.

Mayor Bailey is donating that space and utilities once a month to help TN Valley Coalition for the Homeless set up to assist Union County citizens. While the group is called the Coalition for the Homeless, its focus is to help people prevent homelessness. You do not have to be homeless to get help.

Today, Macrea Love was able to meet with a lady and assist her with emergency housing, food, new clothing and hygiene supplies. The TN Valley Coalition for the Homeless trailer travels with supplies through Union County to Claiborne County twice a month. If someone in Union County needs clothing or supplies, contact Macrea, and he can meet you in Maynardville on these days with what you need.

Do you have questions about TVCH or need to talk to someone? Call Macrea Love at 423-871-8013 or email him at MLove@TVCEH.org. He would love to help you. For more information, visit www.TVCHomeless.org. The Homeless Assistance Hotline is 888-556-0791.

Working along with TVCH is Samantha Brantley-Smith of Shiloh Recovery. Shiloh Recovery will provide gap services, covering for TVCH when they are not in the county. If someone in Union County calls the Hotline needing immediate assistance, Shiloh is in Union County and can help with recovery or mental health resources. Shiloh can be reached at 865-705-3157. Shiloh Recovery is providing a Narcan Recovery Cabinet with fentanyl test strips for the TVCH shower trailer to have on hand for emergencies.

The Union County monthly shower schedule is not set yet. Check this paper for that announcement. Samantha will keep all the Union County food pantries updated, another good source for TVCH information.