Listen first
Every household’s situation is different. We begin by understanding what happened and what will actually resolve the immediate crisis.
DonateServing Rutherford County since 1981
Neighbors helping neighbors through life’s hardest moments.
Community Helpers of Rutherford County helps prevent homelessness, maintain a healthy home, and connect people to local resources for the opportunity of long-term financial stability.
Our story
More than four decades of practical, local help.
For 45 years, CHORC has responded when a Rutherford County household faces a financial crisis that threatens housing, essential utilities, or access to medication.
Our role is both immediate and forward-looking: address the urgent need, understand what caused it, and help the household connect with resources that can support greater stability after the crisis.
That work is possible because local residents, businesses, foundations, utility providers, landlords, pharmacies, churches, nonprofits, volunteers, and public partners choose to work together.
How we work
Dignity, accountability, and meaningful outcomes.
Protect dignity
People deserve clear information, respectful treatment, confidentiality, and a process that recognizes the reality of their circumstances.
Use resources responsibly
We verify eligibility, pay approved vendors directly, track restricted funds, and focus assistance where it can produce a meaningful result.
Build stability together
Financial assistance is paired with case management, resource navigation, referrals, and follow-up because one payment is rarely the entire answer.
Executive leadership
Melissa Blaire
Executive Director
Melissa joined CHORC in 2021 in financial management and became Executive Director in 2023. Her leadership brings together nonprofit operations, financial stewardship, program development, community partnership, and a deep commitment to treating every client with dignity.
Under her leadership, CHORC has strengthened case management, expanded community partnerships, improved fund tracking and program accountability, and continued adapting services to meet changing needs across Rutherford County.
Our team
The people behind the work.
CHORC’s staff guides households from the first office visit through eligibility review, assistance, resource connection, and follow-up.
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Beverly Schubert
Case ManagerWorks directly with households to understand the crisis, review documentation, coordinate assistance, connect clients with resources, and support follow-up.
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Phoebe Owenby
Intake CoordinatorWelcomes clients, supports the intake process, helps identify required documents, and keeps each request moving toward a complete review.
Board leadership
Community governance and oversight.
CHORC’s volunteer Board of Directors provides governance, financial oversight, community connection, and strategic leadership.
Fabrienne Wade
Board President
Cathy Cooper
Board Vice President
Joseph Howard, Sr.
Board Treasurer
Tina Hogan
Board Secretary
Stronger Together