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 a range of Community Action Agency 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
REGULAR AND EMERGENCY CRISIS SERVICES
Goal: To provide annual one-time assistance with home energy costs to eligible low-income households at 60% State Median Income ( Federal Poverty Guidelines).
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
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,
Onsite appointments are no longer the method of submitting an application packet. If you need assistance for copies of the required documents, please come to the agency during regular business hours
(Monday – Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm) and we will make copies for you. Failure to submit all required documents with your application packet, will delay assessment and service abilities.
Below is the 2024-25 LIHEAP application:
Ways to submit an application:
- For your convenience, there is a secure drop box located by the front entrance and both side entrances of our building that can be accessed 24 hours/day. Please do not put sensitive documents such as original SSI, Veteran or court documents, or drivers’ licenses or social security cards in the drop box. Reminder, if you need assistance for copies of these required documents, please come to the agency during regular business hours (Monday – Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm).
OR
- Mail to:
Blount County Community Action Agency
3509 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN 37803
Attn: Community Services Program
OR
- Email scanned documents (photo from phones accepted) to: liheap@blountcaa.org
OR
- Fax to: (866) 637-7245
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
For more information on LIHEAP, visit: “Help for Tennessee Families”
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:
For City of Maryville Utilities customers, refer to their website at www.maryvillegov.com and click the tabs for Financial Services Department and Customer Service.
For City of Alcoa Utilities customers, refer to their website at www.cityofalcoa-tn.gov and click the tabs for Electric Department and Products & Services.
For Atmos Energy customers, refer to their website at www.atmosenergy.com and click the tabs for Billing & Payment Options and Energy Assistance.
Also, utility deposits may be paid for qualified households depending on availability of funding. Income guidelines apply. Contact Blount County Community Action Agency for details.
USDA Commodities Program
U. S. Department of Agriculture surplus foods are distributed to qualifying low income (150% of federal poverty guidelines) households four times each year in a drive-through event at the Blount County Community Action Agency.
A typical distribution provides 40-45 pounds of food to a household and may feature items such as rice, beans, peanut butter, soup, spaghetti, canned fruits and vegetables, powdered milk, nuts, dried fruit, etc.
Eligibility criteria: Proof of Blount County residency; Self-declaration of income (150% of federal poverty guidelines).
Commodities Quarterly Distribution Dates/Times: 12:00pm-3:00pm
- March 21, 2024
- June 20, 2024
- September 19, 2024
- December 19, 2024
For more information and distribution dates, please email Kristi Cochran, CSP Manager at kcochran@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
Senior Services Directory 2023
SMiles (Senior Transportation) Program
The Office on Aging is proud to announce SMiles, a senior friendly, door-through-door transportation program for Blount County residents who are over age 60 and in need of rides for essential trips like medical visits or to pick up groceries. SMiles drivers are volunteers who use their personal automobiles to give rides and are well-screened, trained and supervised. SMiles is currently recruiting volunteer drivers as well as promoting awareness among seniors in need of affordable, reliable transportation.
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. Therefore, 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 are available by calling 865-724-1331.
SMiles is designed for seniors 60+ who live independently, can walk with assistance of a walker or cane and can communicate with the volunteer driver. 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.
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.
Mailing Address:
Blount Co Community Action Agency
3509 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN 37803
Attn: SMiles Program
Membership Application
Consent Form
Rider Code of Conduct
AARP Low-Cost Transportation
Interested in Becoming a SMiles Volunteer Driver?
As a driver, your goal will be to pick up and transport riders to their doctor appointments, grocery trips or other essential errands. While BCCAA cannot pay you for your time, you will be reimbursed for gas if desired, or provided with IRS documentation for tax purposes.
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.
In order to become a (rider) member, please complete and mail in your Membership Application, Consent Form and Rider Code of Conduct OR call (865) 724-1331 and request a packet will be mailed to you. You may also email with any questions or requests for an application to 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 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 Benefits Enrollment Manager, Becky Waugh.
bwaugh@blountcaa.org
COMMUNITY NUTRITION PROGRAMS
Smoky Mountain Meals on Wheels
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 for various reasons. Priority is given to those with the greatest need.
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
If you are interested in receiving a meal at one of the congregate meal sites, contact Meals on Wheels (865) 983- 8411 to reserve a meal and an application can be completed at the meal site. For transportation needs to and from Congregate meals sites contact: SMiles transportation at (865) 724-1331
This project is funded under an agreement with the State of Tennessee- ETAAAD
Please download and complete all forms below and mail to BCCAA, Meals on Wheels, 3509 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN 37803
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.
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.
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 a range of Community Action Agency 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
REGULAR AND EMERGENCY CRISIS SERVICES
Goal: To provide annual one-time assistance with home energy costs to eligible low-income households at 60% State Median Income ( Federal Poverty Guidelines).
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
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,
Onsite appointments are no longer the method of submitting an application packet. If you need assistance for copies of the required documents, please come to the agency during regular business hours
(Monday – Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm) and we will make copies for you. Failure to submit all required documents with your application packet, will delay assessment and service abilities.
Below is the 2024-25 LIHEAP application:
Ways to submit an application:
- For your convenience, there is a secure drop box located by the front entrance and both side entrances of our building that can be accessed 24 hours/day. Please do not put sensitive documents such as original SSI, Veteran or court documents, or drivers’ licenses or social security cards in the drop box. Reminder, if you need assistance for copies of these required documents, please come to the agency during regular business hours (Monday – Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm).
OR
- Mail to:
Blount County Community Action Agency
3509 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN 37803
Attn: Community Services Program
OR
- Email scanned documents (photo from phones accepted) to: liheap@blountcaa.org
OR
- Fax to: (866) 637-7245
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
For more information on LIHEAP, visit: “Help for Tennessee Families”
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:
For City of Maryville Utilities customers, refer to their website at www.maryvillegov.com and click the tabs for Financial Services Department and Customer Service.
For City of Alcoa Utilities customers, refer to their website at www.cityofalcoa-tn.gov and click the tabs for Electric Department and Products & Services.
For Atmos Energy customers, refer to their website at www.atmosenergy.com and click the tabs for Billing & Payment Options and Energy Assistance.
Also, utility deposits may be paid for qualified households depending on availability of funding. Income guidelines apply. Contact Blount County Community Action Agency for details.
USDA Commodities Program
U. S. Department of Agriculture surplus foods are distributed to qualifying low income (150% of federal poverty guidelines) households four times each year in a drive-through event at the Blount County Community Action Agency.
A typical distribution provides 40-45 pounds of food to a household and may feature items such as rice, beans, peanut butter, soup, spaghetti, canned fruits and vegetables, powdered milk, nuts, dried fruit, etc.
Eligibility criteria: Proof of Blount County residency; Self-declaration of income (150% of federal poverty guidelines).
Commodities Quarterly Distribution Dates/Times: 12:00pm-3:00pm
- March 21, 2024
- June 20, 2024
- September 19, 2024
- December 19, 2024
For more information and distribution dates, please email Kristi Cochran, CSP Manager at kcochran@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
Senior Services Directory 2023
SMiles (Senior Transportation) Program
The Office on Aging is proud to announce SMiles, a senior friendly, door-through-door transportation program for Blount County residents who are over age 60 and in need of rides for essential trips like medical visits or to pick up groceries. SMiles drivers are volunteers who use their personal automobiles to give rides and are well-screened, trained and supervised. SMiles is currently recruiting volunteer drivers as well as promoting awareness among seniors in need of affordable, reliable transportation.
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. Therefore, 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 are available by calling 865-724-1331.
SMiles is designed for seniors 60+ who live independently, can walk with assistance of a walker or cane and can communicate with the volunteer driver. 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.
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.
Mailing Address:
Blount Co Community Action Agency
3509 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN 37803
Attn: SMiles Program
Membership Application
Consent Form
Rider Code of Conduct
AARP Low-Cost Transportation
Interested in Becoming a SMiles Volunteer Driver?
As a driver, your goal will be to pick up and transport riders to their doctor appointments, grocery trips or other essential errands. While BCCAA cannot pay you for your time, you will be reimbursed for gas if desired, or provided with IRS documentation for tax purposes.
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.
In order to become a (rider) member, please complete and mail in your Membership Application, Consent Form and Rider Code of Conduct OR call (865) 724-1331 and request a packet will be mailed to you. You may also email with any questions or requests for an application to 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 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 Benefits Enrollment Manager, Becky Waugh.
bwaugh@blountcaa.org
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 for various reasons. Priority is given to those with the greatest need.
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
If you are interested in receiving a meal at one of the congregate meal sites, contact Meals on Wheels (865) 983- 8411 to reserve a meal and an application can be completed at the meal site. For transportation needs to and from Congregate meals sites contact: SMiles transportation at (865) 724-1331
This project is funded under an agreement with the State of Tennessee- ETAAAD
Please download and complete all forms below and mail to BCCAA, Meals on Wheels, 3509 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN 37803
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.
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 Joani Shaver, HomeSharing Program Manager, at jshafer@blountcaa.org.
