LAST UPDATED MARCH 26, 2020 at 2:58pm.
BREAKING NEWS: THIS JUST IN FROM THE TENNESSE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES. Click here to apply.
Applicants should receive approval or denial in five days.
During this time of discomfort and confusion, it can be hard to find the resources to help you get through. To aid in that process we have compiled a list of resources offered in Memphis, Tennessee that will help our residents move forward during this pandemic. No matter if its financial assistance or help with utilities, we have a list of resources that may be the answers to all your questions.
I. Do You Need to Locate a Health Center?
Currently, in the Memphis Health Center are several locations doing COVID-19 testing. If you want to locate a health center in your area that may be doing testing, please click here. Also, there are some places that are currently doing drive-thru testing right now such as, University of Tennessee Health and Science Center, Women's Health Care Associates, Tiger Lane, and Christ Community Health Services.
P.S.- Before visiting any of these locations, if you have symptoms or feel you may have come in contact with the virus please call your primary care provider, call the location in advance or call 866-941-4785 and they will be able to tell you how to further proceed.
If you are in need of a meal or possibly some groceries, you can swing by one of the below locations or give them a call as they are currently offering such services.
Midsouth Food Bank, Mifa, Holy Trinity Community Church Food Pantry, St. Johns United Methodist Soup Kitchen, Dorothy Day House
Asbury UYMC 2969 S. Mendenhall 901-363-1135 Thursdays, 9 a.m. – noon Only for zip codes: 38115 & 38118
Advent Presbyterian Food Pantry Walk-In 1879 N. Germantown Pkwy. 901-755-6290 Only for zip codes: 38016, 38018, 38133, 38134 & 38002
Bartlett Union Methodist Call 5676 Stage Rd. - Outreach Ministry 901-386-4563 Thursdays, 9 a.m. – noon Only for zip codes: 38128, 38133, 38134 & 38135
Bellevue Frayser Baptist Church 3759 N. Watkins 901-347-2000 Sundays, 1 p.m. Only for zip codes: 38107 & 38127
Boulevard Church of Christ 1102 Hale Rd. 901-590-0614 Sundays, 1 p.m. Only for zip code: 38116
Landmark Food Pantry 2411 Carnes Ave. 901-620-9558 M-F, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Only for zip code: 38114
St. Anne's Catholic Church 706 S. Highland St. 901-323-3817 Saturday 9-11 a.m. Only for zip codes: 38111, 38112 & 38114
St. Patrick's Catholic Church 277 S. 4th St. 901-527-8282 Sundays 1 p.m.
For more information about local food pantries, please visit tn211.mycommunitypt.com.
III. Financial Assistance
CSA has a Comprehensive Emergency Assistance Program (CEAP). This is designed to support families through tough times to keep them from losing their homes. If you have had an unexpected circumstance within the last 120 days you may qualify for assistance. At this time they are also providing utility and medical prescription assistance. You can view the website here.
USBG National Charity Foundation created a bartender emergency assistance program. This helps industry personnel with personnel expenses because of the outbreak of the virus. If eligible you can receive a grant to help with bills or other costs due to a decrease in income. You can view the website here.
MIFA is currently taking online applications for people in hardships that need financial assistance. You can view the website here.
Army Emergency Relief is recognizing that soldiers and their families may be affected by the virus. Officials have set up an online process for those who can’t meet face to face with their local AER officer, allowing them to submit requests for assistance by email and secure document transmission. Soldiers or their eligible family members with special power of attorney should follow the procedures outlined here. You can view the website here.
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance is offering assistance online to Coast Guard members. You can fill out the form on the webpage and email it to their local Coast Guard Mutual Assistant representative. You can view the website here.
Air Force Aid Society is providing assistance to its members. The Airman and Family Readiness Center have people ready to administer assistance. You can view their website here.
Navy-Marines Corp Relief Society is offering assistance to the members. You can view the website here.
Salvation Army is offering assistance at this time. You can call them at (901) 543-8586 with questions. Tenants should call the hotline for rent help or eviction assistance at (901) 415-2790. There may also be grants for paying utility bills. You can view the website here.
Catholic Charities are partnering with local churches and non-profits to offer assistance. They assist Memphis families with financial assistance, referrals to other agencies and foods. You can view their website here.
United Methodist Neighborhood Centers of Memphis is offering assistance including emergency assistance food, furniture, rent/utilites, free clothing and household products. This non-profit facility can be contacted at (901) 323-4993.
Neighborhood Christian Centers is providing Shelby County and Memphis residents with utility help as well as rent programs. Other programs such as a food bank, free clothing and a baby store for diapers or formula are other offered services. This facility can be contacted (901) 881-6013.
Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association(MIFA) has a Plus - 1 Program that assists seniors, unemployed, disabled and families with an unexpected financial hardship may qualify for helping paying water bills in Shelby County. You can give them a call at (901) 527-0208. You can view more information on the program here.
Jewish Family Services is an organization that can help people regardless of religion. The counselors and social workers apart of this organization can provide a wide range of resources and services to people in need of financial assistance and emergency assistance for bills. They can be reached at (901) 767-8511.
Society of St. Vincent DePaul is a member in a group of churches helping to provide for those in need. They provide rental, utility, medical bill or other emergency assistance. There are a total of ten different churches that participate. You can reach them at (901)722-4703 or visit the website here.
IV. Free Food for Children
March 23-27- Cici's pizza is offering pizza to children under 18, a parent must be present, while supplies last.
McDonald's is offering FREE kids breakfast entrée & side with any purchase; some limitations apply, for children ages 13 and under. Available at all 41 locations in Shelby County
Now through April 3- YMCA will distribute FREE meals at these sites M-F while schools are closed (through April 3), 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., to all children 18 and under. The child must be present to receive a meal. Sites are listed here.
V. MATA (Memphis Area Transit Authority)
Starting March 25 through the end of April (April 30) you can ride for free on any MATA-operated vehicles. Only ten people at a time will be allowed onboard buses and trolleys during the coronavirus outbreak. This means you may have to wait for an additional bus if they are at capacity.
VI. TN Childcare Certificate Program (CHILDREN ALREADY ENROLLED)
The Department of Human Services is aware that many school systems and child care providers are closing temporarily in response to concerns about COVID-19. We understand that access to child care is important to you. In the event your current provider closes, please contact the local Child Care Certificate Program office to speak with a Child Care Specialist who can assist in your search for temporary placement. You may also email childcarecertificate.dhs@tn.gov to request assistance.
If you have any other ideas or further information that would be of assistance please send an email here.
Note: Site will updated as more information becomes available.