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Good Neighbor Mission
of
Sumner County, TN
1188 Long Hollow Pike
Gallatin, TN 37066
615.452.7337
John McGaw, Director
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The Good Neighbor Mission values and promotes independence, self-sufficiency and long-term permanent solutions to housing for the working poor of Sumner County. Good Neighbor Mission is a not for profit 501(c)3, United Way of Sumner County Agency, funded under an agreement with the State of Tennessee.
What is the Good Neighbor Mission?
This mission is a homeless shelter program that has grown and evolved over a 24-year period into a program which values and promotes independence, self-sufficiency and long-term permanent solutions to housing for the working poor of Sumner County.
To accomplish this mission, the Good Neighbor Mission operates a housing program which shelters working poor families with children until they are able to obtain decent, affordable housing of their own. The program focuses on education and working with families to change behavior patterns that lead to housing crises.
The Mission relies heavily on partnerships with churches, businesses, civic organizations and individuals to successfully address the problems of the working poor.
Who governs the Good Neighbor Mission?
A Board of Directors governs the Good Neighbor Mission. The mission is always looking for people who are interested in the Mission’s work to serve on its board. If you are interested in learning more about the role you can play as a member of the Good Neighbor Mission’s Board of Directors, please contact John McGaw, Director at (615) 452-7337.
What is the problem?
The numbers of working poor in Sumner County are higher than you might think…
· 20.7% of households in Sumner County have incomes less
than $14,997.
· 8.7% of people in Sumner County live below poverty level,
and 11.7% of Sumner County’s children live below the
poverty level. (1)
· Fair Market rent in Sumner County for a two-bedroom
apartment is about $626, and rent for a three-bedroom
apartment equals about $823.
· To afford a one-bedroom apartment, one must earn
$9.77 per hour or 190% of the Federal Minimum Wage.
· To afford a two-bedroom apartment, an individual needs
to earn $12.04 an hour or 234 % of the minimum wage. (2)
(1) U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Census
(2) “Out of Reach” National Low Incoming Housing Coalition 1999
Who does the Mission serve?
The Mission focuses on serving Sumner County families with children who have lost their housing. To be eligible for assistance, one adult family member must be working full-time if he/she is not disabled.
What does the Mission do?
The Mission provides shelter to clients while the families focus on stabilizing their lives, saving money and working on achieving a job, housing and educational goals. Good Neighbor Mission provides referrals and financial assistance in emergencies to prevent loss of housing and/or utilities.
What can you do to help the Good Neighbor Mission?
The Mission needs churches, businesses, civic organizations and individuals who believe that supporting families strengthens the community to commit to sponsoring a shelter for a day, a week, a month or a year. It takes approximately $150 to $200 per month to provide shelter and staff members to support a family in need.
Donate
The families who come to the Mission for help often have nothing and need the help of others to start over. Please ask to see a copy of the “wish list” and make a donation today. Several churches donate to our program monthly and about ten churches participate in Souper Bowl Sunday. Call the office for more information. All donations are tax deductible.
Education
Encourage the children you know in your community to continue school, and to educate themselves before starting families of their own.
If you would like to make a donation to the Good Neighbor Mission please send your donation to:
Good Neighbor Mission
1188 Long Hollow Pike
Gallatin, TN 37066
Your donation will go toward the Mission’s work to promote independence, self-sufficiency and long-term permanent solutions to housing for the working poor of Sumner County. (Checks should be made out to “Good Neighbor Mission”).
If would like to invite a representative of the Good Neighbor Mission to speak during an upcoming meeting at your church, business or civic organization, please contact John McGaw or Stephanie Meadows to discuss your date.
How can I learn more about the Good Neighbor Mission?
· Call (615) 452.7337 and speak to John McGaw, Director.
· The Good Neighbor Mission Board of Directors meets the
second Monday of each month and welcomes prospective
new members.
A member of 
