Client Info

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, our operating procedures have changed.  This is to protect both our clients and our volunteers.  Like many organizations, we are doing more over the phone and limiting the number of people in the storehouse.

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For clients needing storehouse items, this is our current procedure:

1. Clients should get a referral from a social service agency.  See Referrals section below for more detailed information about that.
2. When you have your referral in hand, call the Storehouse at 865-481-0274.  If no one answers, please leave a message including your name and phone number. Please speak clearly and repeat your phone number so we can get back with you.  A volunteer will return your call within a few days.
3. Our Storehouse volunteer will ask you for the information that we need from your referral form.  The volunteer will also ask what are your household needs.    
4. After we have the information we need, we  will set up a convenient time for your visit.
5. When you visit the Storehouse, you will need to bring a vehicle large enough to carry the items you choose.  Storehouse volunteers will be available to help you load.
6. You will also need to bring:

• your referral and a photo ID.

7. Storehouse volunteers will gather your household items when you arrive and arrange them near our big garage-style doors and help you load your vehicle.

Referrals

The Ecumenical Storehouse provides its services only by referral from recognized area support agencies, such as Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties (ADFAC); Department of Children's Services; Trinity Out-Reach Center of Hope (TORCH); Department of Human Services; YWCA; Oak Ridge Housing Authority; Ridgeview (Psychiatric) Hospital in Oak Ridge, Harriman, and LaFollette; Storehouse Ministry; and Anderson County Community Action Agency (ACCAA). These organizations were the top in referring clients to the Storehouse in 2022; they accounted for about 50% of all referrals.

Each client must bring a written referral from such an organization signed by an official, who has personal knowledge that the client is in need of the Storehouse's resources. The Storehouse initiates a Client Service Record and establishes a "needs" list for the client, which is good for six months. Subsequent referrals to the Storehouse are limited to emergency situations, such as fire, tornado, flood, or submission by a caseworker, or must be approved by the Storehouse President or designee prior to continued service.