With spring coming up, local organizations are looking to rally the troops to help in the area.

Offering assistance for those going through hard times within the county was one of the key talking points addressed during Thursday’s Carter County Community Advisory Board monthly meeting held at the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library.

Each monthly meeting consists of a portion where a featured speaker can address attendees to highlight their organization’s impact to the community. Thursday’s event included an update from Renae Tipton with CHIPS (Change is Possible Domestic Violence Shelter).

Founded in 1992, the Unicoi County-based facility also serves Carter and Greene counties to help individuals going through domestic violence issues. Information on the group can be viewed by visiting their website or by calling (423) 743-0022.

Doug Murray with the Appalachian Regional Coalition on Homelessness (ARCH) was also on hand during the meeting to provide more information on the organization’s mission to serve the Northeast Tennessee region.

ARCH offers a variety of assistance, ranging from helping with housing/shelter, rent, food, clothing, mental health services and other support systems.

While work isn’t instant due to application process and lack of affording housing, Murray added they lend as much help as they can with resources available.

A powerpoint presentation by Murray helped showcase some of the homeless camps scattered throughout Northeast Tennessee. With warmer months around the bend, Murray indicated that camps are popping up, including in Carter County.

It isn’t an easy road for the group, according to Murray. Due to affordable housing opportunities, some housing opportunities for homeless individuals can take up three weeks, he explained. Other issues that arise include the terminology of being homeless by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. While specific methods are in place for those living outside or on the street, guidelines used within the school system, “couch surfing,” and staying in a hotel doesn’t fall under the department’s guidelines.

Future collaboration is the goal moving forward for ARCH in the county. Homelessness has been one of the key focuses in the community following social media posts months ago about homeless people in the community.

Currently, River’s Edge Fellowship Church and Valiant Warrior Ministry are working to have a homeless shelter in place in Carter County. The facility is taking in donations to work with the ministry idea.

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In other business, CAB members received updates on different projects going on in the county and city. The county’s 3rd annual Earth Day Celebration is tentatively scheduled to take place on April 21 at Covered Bridge Park pending weather at 10:30 a.m. with the second installment of a community resource fair on tap. “Fresh Food Seminars” are also available to the public as part of the “Build It Up” gardens — which work in conjunction with the Carter County Community Gardens. The first class is scheduled for March 19 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the United Way of Elizabethton/Carter County building on 210 South Hills Drive. The event is free and open to the public. An updated list of classes is featured online by visiting either Carter County Drug Prevention Coalition or Carter County Community Advisory Board Facebook pages.