The Episcopal Metropolitan Ministry reaches out to people in Chattanooga, TN, and the surrounding counties that include parts of North Georgia and Northeastern Alabama. Those who come to EMM seek help with basic needs, such as rent and utility payments and food. Other less typical requests are handled on a case-by-case basis.
Some clients are homeless, but the majority of them are just a rent or utility payment away from losing the security of shelter. In the network of services provided by other social service agencies in the community, EMM is known for offering a bridge to continuing self-sufficiency, especially to clients who have exhausted all other kinds of support.
Intake volunteers work hard to insure a client's needs are met, either directly by EMM or by others in the network of service providers. They record all client needs and services on ServicePoint, the database administered by the Chattanooga Homeless Coalition, and are able to determine if a client request meets EMM guidelines for that type of service.
EMM is ecumenical in its approach to those it serves, although it was founded by Episcopalians. No one is turned away because of race, creed, religious affiliation, etc., and a concerted effort is made to respect the dignity of every human being.
The Episcopal Metropolitan Ministry (EMM) was established on June 1,1979, as an urban ministry of the Episcopal Commission of Southeast Tennessee (ECSET) and the Diocese of East Tennessee.
The initial emphasis of EMM was to serve as a catalyst for the start-up of organizations like the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, the Chattanooga Community Kitchen and the Volunteer Community Day School. Today, however, EMM focuses on helping people needing assistance with utility payments, rent, food, medications and other necessities. No matter what their religious affiliation, background or circumstances, clients are treated with dignity and respect and are offered spiritual and emotional support as well physical help.
All of the funds in the ministry’s Human Needs Fund go directly to client services. Administrative costs are paid by ECSET, and EMM has only two paid positions, the metropolitan minister and the executive director. The ministry could not function without its dedicated corps of volunteers who do everything from interviewing clients to vacuuming floors.
The ministry works closely with other social services agencies in the greater Chattanooga area and is networked to many of them through ServicePoint, a software database administered by the Chattanooga Homeless Coalition. Referrals and collaboration between EMM and these agencies are common.
In 2006 EMM dispersed over $200,000 to meet the needs of 5,851 individuals. More than two-thirds of the funds were used for utility payments. Volunteers logged 3,016 hours during the year.
The work of the Episcopal Metropolitan Ministry is carried out primarily by volunteers under the direction of the interim metropolitan minister, the Rev. John Talbird, and the executive director, Rebecca Whelchel.
Clients are seen three days a week, and volunteers serve as intake counselors. By talking with clients and contacting those they owe (like a utility company), these dedicated volunteers work hard to assist clients within the ministry’s established guidelines. Volunteers are also good listeners and frequently spend a lot of time just listening to the client’s story.
Volunteers are involved in other jobs at EMM, such as serving as bookkeeper and receptionist; writing thank you notes for donations and housekeeping. A large corps of volunteers participate in the Christmas Sharing program, which provides gifts for needy families.
In addition, group of local attorneys offer free assistance to clients needing legal help, and assistance with issues related to Social
Security is also available.
Rev. Talbird provides a spiritual direction for the ministry and spreads the message of what EMM is and does to the Episcopal parishes in the area and to the community at large.
In addition to overseeing the day-to-day operations of EMM, Ms. Whelchel represents the ministry on a number of local boards and agencies that work together to determine best ways to help those in our community who cannot help themselves.
