The 'Pop Up for Hope' event series emerged from a desire to help those who are socially isolated and struggling with the secondary mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of these events is simple: "to spread hope and happiness and reduce isolation during a time when we need each other the most."
The events, hosted outdoors, are socially distanced with all volunteers wearing masks and gloves, "so we spread HOPE not germs."
Event organizers have given out over 2,000 resource bags to date.
On Oct. 30, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Downtown and Hixson Lupi’s Pizza Pies locations, join the following partners:
• Erlanger Behavioral Health Hospital;
• BCBS of TN;
• Parkridge Valley;
• Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network;
• CIT Connect;
• NAMI Chattanooga;
• Mental Health Cooperative;
• Hamilton County Coalition; and
• Suspire;
• and other local resources for social and emotional wellness to experience the "HAPPIEST PopUP for HOPE yet."
Healthcare workers and first responders will enjoy 20 percent off their meal, as a thank you for being "Frontline Heroes," while volunteers display handmade signs with messages of hope and togetherness, perform live music, hand out free goody bags filled with community resources, swag, reusable masks and hand sanitizer (for as long as these supplies are available).
To join as a Supporter of Hope, complete the Supporter Form here.
For more information, contact: Eve Nite at eve.nite@erlangerbh.com or 865-934-9033, or Rachel Gearinger at rgearinger@tspn.org.