FAQ - Appalachian Ministries of the Smokies (AMOS)

Appalachian Outreach
Frequently Asked Questions

Appalachian Outreach is a poverty relief ministry in partnership with the community. We provide a spectrum of services including home repair, food pantry, clothing ministry, educational programs and shelter to women and children through the Samaritan House family Ministries (SHFM).

Contact Information for the Ministry Center and Samaritan House Family Ministries

AO Office Number:            865-475- 5611
AO Fax Number:            865-262-9076
Ministry Center Physical Address: 511 Municipal Drive, Jefferson City TN 37760
Donation Center Address: 190 W Old .A.J. Highway, Jefferson City, Tennessee 37760
SHFM Office Number: 865-475 5032
SHFM Fax Number: 865-262-9049
SHFM Physical Address: 165 Jericho Way, Jefferson City, TN. 37760
Mailing Address: Post Office Box CN- 71904, Jefferson City, TN. 37760
E-Mail Address:

  [email protected] (General Box)
                   [email protected] (Angie Burgess)
                   [email protected]    (Karrie Foust)
                   [email protected] (Jean-Ann Washam)
                   [email protected] (Charles Wilt)

What do I need to sign up for services in the Ministry Center?

Photo ID or two other forms of identification
Proof of income for everyone over the age of 18
Proof of address. This must be an item that you have received in the mail at your physical address in the last two weeks with a post mark on it.
Identification for everyone in your household. This can be in the form of a social security card, birth certificate or medical card. You will need to bring only one of these items not all 3.
Vehicle registration, if you own a vehicle.

What are the operating hours of the ministry Center?

Tuesday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Thursday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am - Noon
Closed for lunch from noon - 1:00 pm

Does AO pick up donated furniture items?

As a general rule, AO does not pick furniture items. This is due to a lack of volunteers and the cost related to picking up items. However, Second Source Thrift Store does pick up furniture on occasion. The staff and volunteers will make the decision. Please call 865-471-5125 and ask for the manager.
We do not pick up leftover yard sale items but will be glad to accept them at 190 West Old Andrew Johnson Highway, Jefferson City, TN.
Occasionally, AO will pick up items from hotels or businesses donating large amounts of furniture or linens. This will need to be arranged with a staff person.

Does AO provide free furniture?

Mattress and box springs are free and can be picked up on a first come, first serve basis Monday through Wednesday at the Donation Center between 10:00 am -5:30 pm.
Furniture is provided to Samaritan House Family Ministries’ residents upon moving out of the shelter.
Furniture is provided free of charge to burn out victims. They will need to provide the fire report issued by the fire department.
Appalachian Outreach DOES NOT deliver furniture items.

Are there other pantries serving the East Tennessee area?

Dandridge Ministerial Association (Dandridge): 865-3973940
Freedom Fellowship (White Pine): 865-674-6465
Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church: 865-674-7308
Strawberry Plains United Methodist Church: 865-933-8583
Neighborhood Center (Jefferson) 865-475-4745 (commodities 1 time per quarter)
Neighborhood Center (Grainger) 865-828-5228 (commodities 1 time per quarter)
Feed My Sheep (Cocke) 423-625-3130
Bread Basket (Cocke) 423-623-8630
Central Services (Hamblen) 423-586-9431
Harvest Outreach (Talbott): 865-674-0540

Does AO provide financial assistance for shut off notices or deposits, pay electric, water, or rental deposits?

AO does not provide any financial assistance including gas vouchers, grocery vouchers, hotel vouchers, electric vouchers, electric bill, water bill or rental assistance.
Douglas Cherokee Neighborhood Center pay some on light bill when funding is available. Their number is 865-475-4745

How often can a family receive services after they sign up?

Families are eligible to receive food one time per month after they have completed an application at the Ministry Center for services and provided all necessary paperwork.
Families are eligible to receive a clothing voucher one time per month after they have completed an application at the Ministry Center for services and provided all necessary paperwork. The voucher will need to be redeemed at Second Source Outlet Center located at 190 West Old Andrew Johnson Highway, Jefferson City, Tennessee during the hours of 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Monday through Wednesday. Lost or expired vouchers cannot be replaced.
Families may not receive any more of these items unless there are special circumstances such as a fire.
The School Supply Distribution and Coats for the Cold do not count as a visit. These are special events.

Do we give out diapers?

AO gives out diapers when they are available. Ministry Center clients must complete an application to receive this service.

Do other agencies provide diapers?

Life Outreach Center located at 11779 Highway 92, Jefferson City, Tennessee 865-471-0510
Pregnancy Center located at 304 Calvary Drive, Morristown, Tennessee 37815 423-586 7331
Both of these ministries provide diapers through “Baby Bucks Program” if mothers attend their classes.

Does AO serve non-citizens of the United States?

AO serves anyone that completes an application in the Ministry Center for services. However, we do not have a translator. Each person is responsible for bringing someone to speak English.

I have lost all documents can I receive services without them?

You may receive emergency assistance through the Ministry Center one time without providing all your documents for services. However, you must provide photo identification or two other forms of ID.
You must have proof of address to receive food. An exception will be made for a transient requesting food based upon the approval of the Ministry Center Coordinator.
A police report can be provided if someone’s purse/wallet has been stolen.

If I don’t qualify for AO where else can I go?

You will need to contact the HELP LINE at 865-215-4211. This information line will list additional services in your area.

If I am homeless, where can I find shelter?

Samaritan House Family Ministries provides shelter to single women and children.
There are several shelters in the Knoxville area
MATS is located in Morristown serving single men, single women and families
AO will not provide hotel vouchers or rental assistance
Domestic abuse cases are referred to Safe Space in Jefferson City (800-244-5968).

What counties does AO serve through the Home Repair?

AO provides home repairs to Jefferson, Grainger, Cocke, and Hamblen Counties. Residents living outside our service area may be referred to the Help line at 865-215-4211.

When are home repairs performed?

Most repairs are completed in June and July due to an influx of volunteer teams. However, applications are accepted year around and some teams will be scheduled during the spring and fall.

How are home repair projects assigned?

After all documentation has been provided by the homeowner, a volunteer will do an assessment. This is provided to the staff of Appalachian Outreach and reviewed for approval.
If AO is unable to work on your home, you will be given referral information to other agencies.
If the application is approved, AO begins recruiting for a volunteer team with the skill level needed to perform the repairs.

What type of home repairs does AO provide?

Exterior work including roofing, decks, wheelchair ramps, painting, yard work and general cleaning.
AO does not replace windows, doors or install HVAC units. Weatherization requests are referred to ETHRA in Knoxville (865-691-2551).
Habitat for Humanity (Jefferson): 865-471-0069 (home repair loan)
Habitat for Humanity (Hamblen): 423-581-1661 (home repair loan)
USDA: 865-523-3338 (low interest loan)
ETHRA: 865-691-2551 (weatherization)
Clinch-Powell: 865-828-5927 (low interest loans)

What type of donations does AO accept?

AO accepts most all donations.
Household items
Clothing (new or gently used)
Appliances in good working order
Linens
Shoes
Building materials
Office supplies
Furniture
Unopened food items

Donations that are not accepted by AO

Open paint
Non-working electronics
Non-flat screen televisions
Non-flat screen computer monitors
Unfortunately, it cost us (time and financial resources) to dispose of these items