COMMUNITY SERVICES PROGRAMS
Community Service Block Grant Program (CSBG)
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is a federally funded grant program that aims to combat poverty within communities by removing the barriers to self-sufficiency faced by individuals and families. Goal: To support the infrastructure and abilities of Community Action Agency’s operations, services, and referrals for eligible low-income individuals and families
Funded under contract with the Tennessee Department of Human Services
Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
REGULAR AND EMERGENCY CRISIS SERVICES: Goal: To provide annual one-time assistance, per program year, with home energy costs to eligible low-income households at 60% State Median Income ( Federal Poverty Guidelines).
2025-2026 LIHEAP APPLICATION PROCESSES
Due to the Federal shutdown, the State will only allow clients in EMERGENCY CRISIS situations to be assisted in November, while FY 2025 funds are available. This ability varies by agency.
An EMERGENCY CRISIS situation is:
Client Applications & Eligibility: EMERGENCY AND CRISIS SERVICES: Households that are disconnected from their utilities/energy vendors, have a disconnect date within 7 days, or have less than 25% in their propane tank can start applying for LIHEAP assistance.
The State is allowing REGULAR LIHEAP applications to be submitted in November, yet only EMERGENCY/CRISIS applications will be processed for payments.
Client Applications & Eligibility: REGULAR: Blount County residents, living at 60% State Median Income. Eligibility is also based on a priority point system; Households with members who are elderly, disabled and/or under the age of six.
APPLICATIONS AND PROCESSES WILL BE AVAILABLE ON NOVEMBER 3rd at 8:00am. You may access applications onsite at our 3509 Tuckaleechee location, or request one to be mailed to you by emailing or calling Amanda Cooper (see below for her contact info) or use the link below (2025-2026 LIHEAP application) to print out the application.
There is an option for those who would like to submit their application and all required documentation themselves online. The link to submit your application is: https://thda.smartsimple.us/
For those who are not able or do not have access to online resources to submit their application and documentation, the agency will submit your application. Please ensure you are including all requested documents from the application cover page instructions.
For questions: please email Amanda Cooper, Utilities Assistance Manager at acooper@blountcaa.org OR call (865) 983-8411, Ext 2003
Funded under contract with the Tennessee Housing Development Agency
Emergency Energy Assistance Program
Emergency help with utility bills is provided from various funding sources administered by BCCAA. Funding sources include the federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program and local utility company programs (Share the Warmth).
For information on donating to the Share the Warmth programs, contact Kristi Cochran at kcochran@blountcaa.org or call 865-983-8411.
BCCAA’s USDA Commodities Program has been moved to Second Harvest of East Tennessee
U. S. Department of Agriculture surplus foods are distributed to households struggling with food insecurities.
The monthly food distributions occur every third Monday of the month, starting at 10am, at Rio East parking lot 1601 E Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN 37804
The 2025-2026 dates of distribution are:
2025: June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20, November 17, December 15
2026: January 19, February 16, March 16, April 20, May 18
SAFER HOMES PROGRAMS
RAMP SERVICES
The SAFER Homes Program, Ramp Services provide temporary and permanent ramps for seniors with mobility issues that create safe and accessible abilities for a senior to enter and exit their home.
Clients in need of a temporary or permanent ramp follow these steps:
- Submit a written application
- Provide proof of income or participation in an assistance program
- Provide written permission from the property owner, if renting
- Sign/submit agreement; Sign/submit an Informed Consent Form
The SAFER Homes Program ramps are designed and built by skilled staff and volunteers. If you would like to learn more about the program or volunteering for ramp projects, please email Maddie Taylor at mtaylor@blountcaa.org.
HOMESHARING PROGRAM
The SAFER Homes Program, HomeSharing Program which provides the tools to create a positive housemate living environment between people (50+) who have extra space in their home or apartment with a person (50+) who is looking for a place to live.
BCCAA’s SAFER HomeSharing Program provides the tools to create a positive housemate living environment between people who have extra space in their home or apartment with a person who is looking for a place to live.
If you, or someone you know, may benefit from, or have questions about, the services of this new housing option, please email Maddie Taylor, Program Manager, at mtaylor@blountcaa.org.
OFFICE ON AGING
The Office on Aging provides information and education on a variety of aging, older adult topics and services, including caregiving and Medicare. This office funded through the Older Americans Act and in agreement with the State of Tennessee to provide the following additional services in Blount County:
- Advocacy and information on available services for seniors and caregivers
- Senior Service Directory (published every 3 years)
- Outreach to the community on a variety of topics (Focus on Seniors workshops)
- Senior Action Council, the planning and implementation group of Blount County leaders
- Eldercare and Elder Abuse supports
- Aging in Place supports
For supports in senior issues, please contact Teresa O’Mary, Office on Aging Director at tomary@blountcaa.org
11th Edition – Senior Services Directory Advertising
Senior Service Advertising 2025
Senior Services Directory 2023
SMiles Program
SMiles, a senior friendly, door-through-door transportation program for Blount County residents in need of transportation who are 60+ years, can walk with assistance of a walker, rollator or cane, can communicate with the staff and volunteer drivers. SMiles’ drivers are volunteers who use their personal automobiles to give rides and are well-screened, trained and supervised. SMiles is a membership program that costs $25 per year. In addition to the cost of membership, the advance purchase of four $6 round trip rides is required. The initial cost of membership and a set of 4 rides is $49. All charges are paid in advance by check or credit card to Blount County Community Action Agency. After this payment of $49, any number of $6 rides can be purchased in advance with a 4-ride minimum of $24. Gift certificates for parents, relatives, neighbors and friends.
SMiles operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. with trips within Blount County only. Once membership information is processed, a welcome packet is mailed to the rider with instructions on how to schedule a ride. Trips are arranged three business days in advance by calling 724-1331.
In order to become a (rider) member, please complete and mail or email in your Membership Application, Consent Form and Rider Code of Conduct to Mary Mixon at mmixon@blountcaa.org OR mail to: BCCAA Office on Aging, 3509 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville TN 37803
If you need an application packet mailed to you, call (865) 724-1331 or email and request a packet will be mailed to you.
Membership Application
Consent Form
Rider Code of Conduct
AARP Low-Cost Transportation
Wheelchair accommodated are not available through SMiles; however, ETHRA provides transportation for wheelchairs. Call ETHRA at 1-800-232-1565 for more information if you utilize a wheelchair.
Interested in Becoming a SMiles Volunteer Driver? SMiles is currently recruiting volunteer drivers as well as promoting awareness among seniors in need of affordable, reliable transportation. For only a few hours a month, at your convenience, you can provide an invaluable service to those seniors in our community who are unable to drive.
As a volunteer driver, you will be trained and supported to transport riders to their various Blount County destinations. Reimbursed for gas at the charitable rate is available if needed. Drivers must be at least 21 years of age, pass a background check, hold a valid driver’s license, auto insurance and have a safe driving record. A written application, reference checks, an interview and driver training program are completed by all drivers prior to being scheduled.
To inquiry more about becoming a volunteer driver, please email Mary Mixon, SMiles Manager at mmixon@blountcaa.org
SMiles Driver Application 4.18
Benefits Enrollment Services
Medicare beneficiaries often have additional supportive resources available that may financially help them pay for medical care and prescriptions, groceries, utilities, long-term care, and other routine expenses.
Enrollment process for these federal or state benefits:
- Extra Help with Medicare prescription costs
- Medicare Savings to help with Medicare premiums, deductibles and copays
- TennCare for a broad range of services for Medicare beneficiaries
- SNAP (food stamps) for monthly credits that enable recipients to buy food
For more information or to request a telephone assessment to see if a Medicare beneficiary is eligible for additional services, please email Seniors Outreach Manager, Becky Waugh at bwaugh@blountcaa.org
2026 Mardi Gras
SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday, February 17th
General Information and Sponsorship:
COMMUNITY NUTRITION PROGRAMS
Smoky Mountain Meals on Wheels
Provides a nutritious midday meal Monday through Friday to Blount County residents 60 years or older who are confined to their homes and unable to prepare meals for themselves f
or various reasons.
If you are interested in receiving Meals on Wheels for yourself or someone you know, contact Blount County Community Action Agency Senior Nutrition for an application.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please download and complete the Vol Application.
Congregate Meals: Midday meals for Blount County residents 60 years or older at several congregate dining sites throughout the county. The sites and days of service include:
Louisville Community Center: Tuesday and Thursday
Martin Luther King Center: Tuesday and Friday
THIS IS NOT A DROP-IN MEAL PROGRAM, if you are interested in joining the congregate meal program at one of the congregate meal sites above, you must contact Meals on Wheels (865) 983- 8411, Ext 1 to learn more about the program and an application can be completed during this call.
If transportation is needed, you are welcomed to call BCCAA’s Office on Aging SMiles Program to potentially join this transportation services. (865) 724-1331
Funded under an agreement with the East Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities
Smoky Mountain Ani-Meals on Wheels
Clients of the Smoky Mountain Meals on Wheels Program are able to receive food supports for their dog(s) or cat(s) delivered to their homes.
