Clarksville Urban Ministries

United Methodist Urban Ministries/Clarksville District, Inc. was founded on June 28, 1984 as a nonprofit dedicated to meeting basic human needs of those who were living in the Clarksville/Montgomery County area. Our office opened for operation in 1985 at 211 S. 3rd St. at the Madison Street United Methodist Church.

Although our original intention was to be an information and referral agency, we quickly realized we needed to be offering direct client assistance for emergency food, shelter, utilities, medicine, and other areas. It was not long after we began meeting these needs, that we observed a need to protect victims of domestic violence. In 1991 we established the SafeHouse Domestic Violence Shelter as a sanctuary for battered women and their children.

The key to Urban Ministries’ past and current successful ministry rests in its alignment with client need, volunteer service provision, and its organizational structure. Our adherence to our mission has resulted in a commitment to deal with the systemic problems of hunger, homelessness, and violence through our organization that “works” through an active Board of Directors, participating standing committee members, trained volunteers, and salaried staff.

Today our work continues at 217 S. 3rd St. in downtown Clarksville, Tennessee.

We continue to carry out our mission and tradition through the Grace Assistance Program, a drop-in center that provides a safe and warm place for those who have nowhere else to turn. We also provide assistance for:

• Monthly living expenses, such as food, shelter, and utility bills
• Transportation
• Prescription medications
• Personal hygiene items
• Blankets, fans, and air conditioners
• Clothing and footwear for all ages
• Children’s school supplies

We also operate Safehouse, our domestic violence and sexual assault/abuse shelter, providing residential and non residential service. The facility is at an undisclosed location to ensure safety of the residents. The SafeHouse capacity is sixteen (16) women, men, and children and is fully staffed 24 hours a day to provide safety, peace, and comfort to survivors in need. Core services are:

• Emergency shelter
• 24 hour hotline
• Advocacy
• Transportation
• Follow-up
• Community education
• Information and referral
• Counseling phone, shelter, and support group

Our third program of service is Safe Place Family Transitional Center, where we house homeless families with children. This 90 day program provides safe shelter and support services to enable families to transition back into permanent housing.