MURFREESBORO – The Journey Home, a nonprofit organization serving the unhoused of Rutherford County, received $30,000 from Wellpoint, a leading healthcare company, during a check presentation and news conference that was recently held at The Journey Home’s Murfreesboro facility.

During the event, which included a facility tour and meal serving for local individuals, representatives from Wellpoint and The Journey Home addressed the impact of the partnership in supporting those experiencing homelessness across Rutherford County.

 “I am very grateful to Wellpoint for its donation to The Journey Home,” said Senator Shane Reeves (R-Murfreesboro). “These funds will have a tremendous impact on the health and well-being of vulnerable populations in Rutherford County. It will improve outcomes and change lives for those experiencing homelessness.”

 The funding commitment from Wellpoint aims to rehouse and provide resources that encourage whole health, economic stability, and reintegration into community life. In addition, the funds will further enhance The Journey Home’s Unhoused Capital Campaign for expanded services and space including short-term family housing through a newly established resource center.

 "We are grateful for the support of Wellpoint in our community," said Russ Galloway, Chair of the Unhoused Capital Campaign. "This donation will have a ripple effect, allowing us to improve the lives of our most vulnerable neighbors now, as well as future generations. Health and mortality are significantly impacted by homelessness. Together we can improve these outcomes."

 All people deserve a place to call home and opportunities for well-being and self-sufficiency, yet homelessness among children, families, and adults continues to grow in the community—leaving many vulnerable, desperate, and with few options. Being homeless brings daily challenges that are interconnected and impact every aspect of a person’s life.  Lasting change happens when organizations like Wellpoint and The Journey Home join forces to provide individuals with support for housing solutions as well as stabilization resources including healthcare access, mental health counseling, and food as medicine programming.

 “Social drivers of health, including homelessness, affordable housing, and a safe, stable, social and physical environment, continue to be barriers to positive health outcomes and overall wellness,” said Natalie Cooper, Wellpoint President. “Housing is a critical component of integrated healthcare and healthy communities, and that’s why we continue to invest in innovative programs and develop strategic partnerships that support access to critical services for healthy living.”

To date, The Journey Home has raised close to $5 million through the Unhoused Capital Campaign and has roughly $800,000 remaining for their newly established resource center. The organization is asking individuals, businesses, and foundations to support the campaign. Gifts of all sizes are appreciated. The campaign committee expects to break ground in 2024 and is hopeful the building will be move-in ready in early 2026.

 “We are excited to share our vision for the future with the community,” said Scott Foster, Executive Director of The Journey Home. “This campaign will allow us to provide efficient services and emergency housing for families through our new building and make an even greater impact on the lives of those we serve.”

 To learn more about the campaign and how to donate, please visit LoveGodServePeople.org.

ABOUT THE JOURNEY HOME - Founded in 2006, The Journey Home is a Christian ministry that serves the homeless and disadvantaged of Rutherford County. The agency does this by helping people have a permanent place to call home and meeting basic needs with day-to-day resources like meals and food staples, laundry and shower facilities, restrooms and hygiene products, clothing, communication resources (mail service, public phones, computer, and internet access), and case management services including coaching and referrals through our outreach center. The agency works to build relationships that encourage hope and strategies for moving in a new direction, reintegrating into mainstream community life through housing programs and service coordination including physical and mental health, addiction recovery, employment, parenting, household management, faith-building, and relational wellness to meet people at their point of need. To learn more about becoming involved, contact Lisbeth Couser, LCouser@LoveGodServePeople.org or call 865-278-8757.

ABOUT WELLPOINT - Wellpoint, part of the Elevance Health family of brands, focuses on improving physical health as well as the behavioral and social drivers that impact it through a comprehensive suite of Medicare, Medicaid, and Commercial products. The Wellpoint companies offer healthcare services for consumers at any stage of life seeking to make the right care decisions and helps individuals and communities make real, positive progress with health plans that foster independence, confidence, and whole-person health. For more information, please visit www.wellpoint.com.