Mission
 The Toco Hills Community
Alliance (THCA) is an ecumenical ministry that seeks to provide assistance
and support for individuals and families living in the northeaster part of
Atlanta who face the possibility of the loss of housing and who are
without food for themselves or their families. The
zip code areas served are 30324, 30329, 30033, 30341, and 30345. The
food pantry is open to anyone in need. The program is based at St.
Bartholomew's. See specifics below.
Toco Hills Community Alliance is run
entirely by volunteers. 99% of revenue goes to assisting individuals
and families in need.
Goals:
- To make available emergency
assistance to individuals and families in need in the northeast
communities of Atlanta.
- To sponsor and promote assistance
programs and services that will result in greater economic stability
and independence for those individuals and families in need.
- To provide opportunities for
individuals and organizations to be of service to their neighbors by
helping individuals and families in need.
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History
The Toco Hills Community Ministry was
founded in 1998 to provide emergency assistance in time of need to
individuals and families in the northeast communities of Atlanta with
the primary goal of preventing homelessness. Since 1998, the ministry
has grown from a loosely organized coalition of a few Christian churches
in the Toco Hills area to its present 8 congregations united and guided
by an elected Board of Directors with representation from each
participating church. The ministry has no paid full- or part-time staff.
All ministry programs are administered and staffed by volunteers from
the participating churches. Volunteers staff the Ministry Office located
at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church four afternoons each week (Mon
thru Thurs from 1-4 pm). During year 2002, over 750 clients were seen
and given assistance by the THCM. Over 97% of revenue
contributions was applied directly to client assistance as the ministry
is run entirely by volunteers with no paid staff employees and the
donation of space and utilities is provided by St. Bartholomew's.
The Toco Hills Community Ministry is
tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and
gifts are fully tax-deductible under federal tax laws.
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Volunteer Needs
and Opportunities:
-
Assist in staffing the Ministry Office
to provide direct client assistance (1 or more afternoons/month). Training
will be provided for this volunteer activity.
- Serve on one of the three Board
committees (Communications, Development/Fund Raising, or Finance). Persons with experience in fund raising for non-profit organizations are
most needed.
- Make a personal financial commitment to
the Toco Hills Community Alliance a 501
(c)(3) corporation. Because the organization is run with
volunteers the administrative costs are minimal with more than 98% of
donations go directly to help our clients.
- Contribute needed non-perishable food
items to the ministry Food Pantry. Items most needed are reported
periodically in the Apostle's Standard and in the ministry's Newsletter.
The following pantry items are currently
needed to help others in the community: Powdered milk, canned meat,
dried beans, canned
vegetables, canned fruit, peanut butter, jelly, pasta, pasta sauces,
juices, macaroni and cheese, rice, cereal, instant oatmeal, hot cereal,
canned soup, canned fish, canned chicken, canned stews, baby food and
dry formula. You may drop it in the barrels around the parish that are
marked "Toco Hill Community Alliance."
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Guidelines for
Providing Assistance
-
Residence
Requirement: Picture identification (e.g., driver's license) is
required and verification of residence in one of the zip codes in our area
30033, 30324, 30329, 30341, or 30345.
- Utilities: Past-due utility
bill (electric, gas, or water only) must be presented. Maximum
amount of $50 will be given.
- MARTA: Two MARTA tokens per
person may be given
- Rent: Written notice of
overdue rent on business letterhead or form must be presented indicating
overdue rent and pending eviction. Maximum amount of $100. will be given.
- Food: Non-perishable food
items are provided as needed in relation to family size. Supermarket
gift cards (value $10 each) provided for special items (baby food,
diapers, etc.)
- Baby Items: Kroger vouchers
for baby food and supplies (and other non-food items) may be
provided. Maximum amount of $10 will be given.
- Gasoline: Vouchers for
gasoline may be provided. Maximum of $10 per car owner will be
given.
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Current Needs
The Toco Hills Community Alliance
is in critical need of some new office volunteers to interview
needy clients and gather intake information on Tuesday, Wednesday, or
Thursday afternoons at least once a month. Several of our faithful
volunteers who have helped staff the Toco Hills Alliance office for
several years are no longer able to assist us. Our volunteers work in
pairs, and new volunteers will be paired up with a veteran volunteer.
Training will be provided. This is a very rewarding way to help our
neighbors in need. Anyone who has questions or interest should call Ken
Herrmann (404-377-8601), Beverly Clyde (404-321-2789) or Claire Gilland
(404-634-2843). Remember what Jesus said, “. . . just as you did it to one
of the least of these . . . you did it to me.” Matthew 25:40Become one of the neighbors
helping neighbors in this community and contact Ken Herrmann at
404.377.8601 or Beverly Clyde at 404.321.2789. Look for more info on the Alliance’s new
website,
www.tocohillsalliance.org
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