From Dirt Roads to Doorsteps
Help establish a permanent home for the Hand Up Hub—a centralized location to connect Mid-Tenn residents with vital community resources.
Project Description
Mission
The Hand Up Hub empowers Middle Tennessee communities by establishing a centralized resource center to connect residents with essential services—breaking cycles of poverty through access, guidance, and dignity.
The Problem
Rural Middle Tennessee (including Dekalb County) faces:
Scattered resources: Critical services (food, healthcare, addiction recovery) are siloed across counties.
Transportation barriers: 32% of rural TN households lack reliable transit (TN Dept. of Health).
Stigma: Vulnerable groups (low-income, addicted, homeless) avoid seeking help due to judgment.
Opportunity
18% poverty rate in Dekalb County (U.S. Census).
$3.2M+ potential annual savings by reducing ER/homeless shelter overuse (TN Rural Health Assoc.).
No one-stop hubs between Nashville and Cookeville.
Our Solution
A Mid-Tenn based Hand Up Hub offering:
Walk-in resource navigation
Mobile outreach to serve neighboring counties.
Confidential, trauma-informed staff.
Tech platform for remote access to services.
Funding Needs
$175,000 will fund:
50%: Facility lease/renovations (Dekalb County, Warren County location).
30%: Staff (2 FT navigators + outreach driver).
15%: Technology (appointment system, mobile hotspot lending).
5%: Community training
Our Team
Stacy Pollard, Founder: 10+ years in community advocacy (B.S. Psychology).
Farrah Jones, Operations/Board: Homeless outreach specialist.
Board: Social workers, addiction counselors, and low-income housing experts serving Middle TN.
Gratitude
To our supporters: You’re transforming isolation into access and despair into hope. Together, we’re rewriting Middle Tennessee’s future—one connection at a time. Thank you for being part of this lifeline.
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
Where exactly will the Hand Up Hub be located?
We're securing a accessible, central property in the Warren County, DeKalb County, TN area
Which counties will you serve?
While based in the Warren County, Dekalb County area, our mobile outreach will serve all of Middle TN—including Warren, Cannon, and Smith Counties—with resource referrals and pop-up clinics.
What happens if you don’t meet your goal?
Every dollar counts! Funds will still go toward securing a smaller space or launching mobile services first. We’ll share adjusted plans transparently
How will my donation be used? 50% facility costs, 30% staff (living wages!), 15% tech, 5% training.
What makes you different from 211/other helplines?
We offer in-person, trauma-guided support—not just phone referrals. Our navigators help complete paperwork, secure transportation, and follow up.
How will you ensure safety for vulnerable visitors? Private intake rooms, partnerships with local law enforcement for de-escalation training, and strict confidentiality policies.
Who’s behind this project?
Founder Stacy Pollard (10+ years in community psychology) and Operations Lead Farrah Jones (homeless outreach expert), plus a board of social workers and healthcare providers.
Do donors get rewards?
Absolutely! $25+: Social media shoutout | $100+: Handwritten thank-you + impact report | $500+: Name on our ‘Wall of Hope’ in the Hub.
Can I donate anonymously?
Yes! Select ‘Anonymous’ at checkout. Your gift will still be recognized in our totals.
How can I help beyond donating?
Share our campaign!
Just Because I Care
Rewards
Just Because I Care