Join well over 100 Sevierville Chamber of Commerce members for Coffee Talk on Tuesday, January 15, sponsored by Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries. We talked with Kelli Hyke, director of operations for SMARM, and got the scoop on what to expect.

SCOC: What will you share with our members during this month’s Coffee Talk?

SMARM:We plan to show a video reviewing our thrift store, Treasures from the Heart, as well as the history and work of SMARM. We want to share the typical needs in our community that are addressed by SMARM and let everyone meet some of the people working at SMARM.

SCOC: For those who aren’t already familiar with Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministry, can you give us an overview?

SMARM: We are a Christian faith-based non-profit ministry that has served Sevier County since 2001. As our community’s population grows, specifically the homeless population, we assist folks in crisis. We meet individually with people as they come in for crisis intervention and assistance purposes. Once an assessment is complete, a counselling session follows. Often times there are issues revealed that are more of a need than the crisis in front of them. Sometimes it is an emotional or spiritual need and periodically the need is more interpersonal or work related. Once matters have been brought to the forefront, then the crisis (which is usually past due rent or utilities) can be addressed and hopefully averted in the future.

Our thrift store meets needs for those that come into our SMARM office. Many jobs in the local area require a certain attire that could not be obtained until after payday. We allow folks to shop in the store for their clothing needs so that they are able to begin their employment. Many times black, non-skid shoes are the most important item they need and SMARM usually can provide them.

With housing being so limited, our emphasis is clearly on keeping folks in their housing by aiding in their delinquent or past due utilities. It is far more economical to pay these amenities than to relocate (if housing is found) and have new deposits and such. We have been blessed by so many understanding landlords who gratefully accept our vouchers and know that we have a timely payment system. Our “voucher system” is a well-oiled system and a way of avoiding the use of cash, checks, or credit cards. Vouchers are like a promissory note to our vendors given to the client at their appointment. It is written for an amount that SMARM has agreed to pay toward a delinquent bill and taken to the vendor by the client. At month’s end, all vendor checks are written and mailed out in a very timely fashion.

SCOC: What will be the biggest takeaway from this very meaningful Coffee Talk?

SMARM:The biggest thing we want people to walk away from this Coffee Talk knowing is what services are available to those in our community who are in need of a hand up and how SMARM can be supported.