Ameriprise Financial Advisor and Franchise Owner Cody Sims partnered with the Chattanooga Community Kitchen in helping the residents of St. Matthew’s Men’s Shelter and St. Catherine’s Shelter for Homeless Women and Children in the fight against COVID-19. St. Matthew’s and St. Catherine’s offer nightly beds, food, and support services to as many as 20 homeless neighbors. The personal and environmental hygiene needs of the shelters’ residents are particularly challenging during the current COVID-19 pandemic, said officials.
In providing laundry detergent, cleaning agents, bedding, healthy snacks. and other items for the St. Matthew’s and St. Catherine’s Shelters residents, Mr. Sims said he welcomed the opportunity to help some of our homeless citizens in these unprecedented times.
“My practice is a part of Ameriprise’s 125-year commitment to supporting persons across the country who struggle to meet basic human needs such as where their next meal comes from or where they will sleep tonight,” said Mr. Sims. “We hope that other businesses and will join us in assisting the programs in our community designed to help address the basic hunger, shelter, and self-sufficiency needs of our neighbors.
"Support for St. Matthew’s, St. Catherine’s, and other programs which address the realities of homelessness is particularly needed at this critical time. It is a real challenge to follow the recommended and helpful Safer at Home procedures when you have no home."
In acknowledging the gift in support of the shelters’ residents, Jens Christensen, chief executive officer of the Chattanooga Community Kitchen said, "We are grateful to all those who support our programs and help us make a difference in the lives of those in need, especially at this time."
To learn more about how you can help homeless Chattanoogans during the COVID-19 battle and recovery visit https://www.homelesschattanooga.org/, or call 756-4222.