Metro assistance agency short on funds

Posted on WKRN (Channel 2) As we head into the warm summer months, the Metro Action Commission is a frequent source of relief for families in need. But this year, the agency is dealing with a tighter budget than usual. Last year Metro Action received $3.4-million to help assist families with energy costs. This year that number was cut to $1.8-million. Those funds have been depleted since January -- and families are in need of assistance now more than ever. Dub Campbell says he and his wife are barely getting by. He had to stop working because of a medical condition and his wife recently lost her jobs. He said, "We're in kind of a tailspin situation and frankly I don't know how we're going to pull out of it." He's dreading the hot summer months and the energy costs that are sure to come with them. Normally the couple waits until July to begin cooling their home. Lisa Gallon with the Metro Action Commission says need for assistance is on the rise, but there isn't enough money to go around. According to Gallon, "We have been out of funding for quite some time with our energy assistance program." Campbell receives disability pay and isn't eligible for government assistance. Recently, he's had to turn to loved ones for help. He said, "My sister in Texas, she's sent us a few bucks here and there. Never had to do that before. The last year has been especially rough." The Metro Action Commission can accept new applications for assistance starting July 1st.

Volunteers Needed List For The Week

Addiction recovery Agency: The Alcohol & Drug Council of Middle Tennessee Description: Seeks volunteers to answer its 24-hour Helpline. Shifts vary from five to 12 hours and can be split among volunteers. To volunteer: Call John or Mary Ann at 269-0029. Fighting cancer Agency: The American Cancer Society Description: Needs volunteer drivers to transport cancer patients to and from treatment. To volunteer: Call 327-0991. Fighting diabetes Agency: American Diabetes Association Description: Needs volunteers to help plan the annual fundraising walk and also help with some clerical work. To volunteer: Call Lynley McCarley at 298-3066, ext. 3332, or e-mail lmccarley@diabetes.org Liver wellness Agency: American Liver Foundation Description: Needs volunteers to help with events, do clerical work and be trained for speaking engagements. To volunteer: Call Kristy Weir at 297-6421 or at kweir@liverfoundation.org. Domestic violence haven Agency: Bridges of Williamson County Description: Needs volunteers to raise funds, sort donations, be a women's advocate, pick up donations, provide transportation and staff a crisis line. To volunteer: Call 599-5777. Helping children Agency: Cannon County Reach Description: Needs volunteers May 3 to paint and clean up. To volunteer: Call Angela King at 563-5518. Homes for all Agency: Community Housing Partnership Description: Needs volunteer building and painting crews. To volunteer: Call Stephen Murray at 790-5556 or e-mail Stephen@communityhousing.info. Juvenile court advocates Agency: Davidson County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Description: Needs volunteers to serve as juvenile court advocates for abused and neglected children in Nashville. Morning and evening training classes offered. To volunteer: Call Cindy Johnson at 425-2383 or visit www.casa-nashville.org. Christian women's job corps Agency: Diamonds in the Rough Description: Needs teachers who teach G.E.D., an interpreter, mentors and anyone who loves working with single women and children. To volunteer: Call 500-4785. Family literacy program Agency: Estoy Aprendiendo ("I'm Learning") Description: Needs volunteers to tutor children and adults. To volunteer: Call Tracy Jennings at 941-8658. Helps the developmentally disabled Agency: Evergreen Presbyterian Ministries, Inc. Description: Needs a carpenter to lower cabinet and build storage spaces, a musician for music therapy and an artist for arts and crafts sessions. To volunteer: Call Sereadia Dunn at 366-7454 or e-mail sdunn@epmi.org. Rescues animals Agency: Happy Tales Humane Description: Happy Tales Humane is need of foster "parents" for dogs and kittens. ,b>To volunteer to foster a dog: Please call (615) 791-0827, ext. 14 or email Caninecorner@happytaleshumane.com. If interested in fostering kittens, call 791-0827, ext. 11 or email kmathis@happytaleshumane.com. Helps at-risk children Agency: Monroe Harding Description: Needs mentors and tutors for at-risk children. Training will be provided and the time commitment can be as little as an hour a week. To volunteer: Call Melissa Houck at 298-5573, ext. 121 or e-mail melissahouck@monroeharding.org. Learning supplies for at-risk children Agency: PENCIL Box program of the PENCIL Foundation Description: Needs shopping assistants during teacher appointments Tuesday-Thursday from 2-5 p.m. at 1300 56th Ave. North, Nashville, TN 37209. To volunteer: Call Sarah Killpack at 242-3167, ext. 233. Supports Nashville public schools Agency: PENCIL Foundation Description: Needs volunteers to become tutors and mentors to students during the school year. Reading Partner volunteers serve elementary students as one-on-one tutors and classroom readers. Math Partner volunteers tutor fifth and sixth graders using manipulatives and problem-solving activities. To volunteer: Call Pencil at 242-3167, ext. 235 or visit www.pencilfoundation.org. Services for the mentally challenged Agency: Prospect Inc., Description: Needs volunteers to wash vans and help with various individuals. To volunteer: Call Bill Potter at (615) 444-0597. Saving lives by organ donation Agency: Tennessee Donor Services Description: Needs volunteers from throughout Middle Tennessee to make presentations to business, civic and church groups and at a wide range of special events to inspire others to become organ and tissue donors. Training is provided. To volunteer: Call Misty Armour at (615) 564-3633 or e-mail marmour@dcids.org.