What's Happening at Outreach​​
Volunteer alert - Outreach is in need of volunteers to work in our  Food Pantry on Monday and Wednesday mornings (9AM - 12PM), Thursday afternoons (1 - 4PM) & is looking for a driver to pick up food donations from Food Lion on Wednesdays anytime between 11AM - 1PM. For more information, please complete and submit the Volunteer Sign-up Form or contact Volunteer Coordinator, Barb Powell barb.powell@tboutreach.org or 828-894-2988.
Did you know ...
​Outreach is building a supportive, transitional housing neighborhood? The first two houses are complete and renters are moving in. Click here to learn more!
"I want to thank Outreach for helping my family out. Because if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have food for my six year old son. I just wanted to thank y'all from the bottom of my heart."                            ~ Outreach client
COVID-19 updates & information​​
August 2 Building Reopening Postponed -
Due to the recent rise in COVID cases locally, the Outreach Board of Directors made the decision to postpone reopening our building to clients and guests on Monday, August 2 as planned. We are hopeful this is only a brief set back and will re-evaluate local metrics monthly to determine the new reopening timeline. While we look forward to returning to business as usual with an open building welcoming clients and guests inside as soon as possible, the safety and comfort of our volunteers, clients, staff and guests will always be priority.

Clients will continue to receive full support of all programs and services via phone, using the same process we've had in place since March 2020.

Our mask policy remains in effect - masks continue to be optional inside the building for staff and volunteers who are fully vaccinated. Masks are recommended for anyone who has not been vaccinated.​
Resources -
The Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions Program (HOPE) provides rent and utility assistance to low-income renters that are experiencing financial hardship due to the economic impacts of COVID-19. The program helps prevent evictions and utility disconnections to promote housing stability during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Questions - visit the HOPE program's website or call 888-927-5467. Program representatives are available 8:00AM - 5:00PM Monday - Friday.
Outreach is here to Help -​ 
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit countless Polk County families and individuals hard in many different ways. Thanks to the generosity of individual donors, churches, businesses and foundations (Polk County Community Foundation, Dogwood Health Trust, Duke Energy Foundation, Western NC Bridge Foundation), Outreach is in a great position to help. Whether you're one of our regular clients or someone who has recently fallen on hard times, give us a call if you need assistance with food, paying rent/mortgage or utility bills.
Outreach
134 White Drive, Columbus
828-894-2988
"The food pantry is a blessing to me and my four little girls. We have had our lives turned upside down and I am very thankful for everyone's help. I hope to eventually be in a place where I will be able to start helping others, like others have helped me. Thank you so much!"            ~ Outreach client
Are you Ready to Make Critical Changes and Improve your Life?​
Outreach is now accepting applications to Life Works, our self-sufficiency program that focuses on helping you achieve goals related to:
  • employment
  • education
  • money management
  • transportation
  • childcare
  • housing
  • building life skills

To learn more, contact Client Services Manager, Michelle Reedy (michelle.reedy@tboutreach.org or 828-894-2988) or click to visit the Life Works section on our website.
It takes a village ...
At Outreach, we have over 7000 visits each year from Polk County neighbors requesting assistance with food, financial assistance (rent & mortgage, utilities, medical and dental) and special programs for children (Feed-a-Kid, School Supplies and Holiday) and veterans.  Without the help of our generous community, we could not provide this level of assistance to those in need. We're all in this together and at Outreach, we're grateful for all you do to help our community. Thank you!
Our friends with Unity in the Community held their annual food drive for Outreach this spring. It's always a fun time when this group gets together!
Thank you Green Creek Hounds for your generous donation - 514 pounds of food to stock our pantry shelves!
Puuurfect Bark donated pet supplies for four-legged family members.
Stephanie Justice and daughter Charlotte started "Meals on Me" where restaurant patrons can donate money toward gift cards to be distributed to Outreach clients.
The Youth at Holy Cross shop for the Outreach pantry at Lidl every quarter. 
"When things get tight (as they always do being a single mother of two), it's great to have this wonderful, dependable place to come to, to help keep our heads above water! Thank you!"      ~ Outreach client
Hours of Operation
Monday - Thursday:
9:00AM - 12:00PM
1:00 - 4:00PM
Friday: 9:00AM - 12:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
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Upcoming Events
9/25: Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce's "Feed the Foothills" Harmon Field Music Festival & Poker Run
11/1 - 30: Thanksgiving Food Box Distribution
11/13: Tryon Half Marathon (Harmon Field)
​12/6 - 10: Holiday Program Distribution
3/12/22: Empty Bowls (Parker-Binns Vineyard)
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Monthly Wish List
Food Focus: pancake mix & syrup, pork & beans, mayonnaise, canned tuna, tomatoes, watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches
Non-Food Focus:  laundry detergent, ziploc bags (all sizes), toothbrushes & toothpaste, hand soap, cleaning supplies

Newsletter

​Annual Report
Did you know.... Outreach now has a texting service to communicate with our clients? This service is used to send important Outreach news and updates on programs and special events. It's simple to register - text 21000, type Outreach in the message and press send.
​Check out our video about how Thermal Belt Outreach has changed the lives of many and touched the hearts of our community. ​
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​​        Outreach
           134 White Drive
           P.O. Box 834
           Columbus, NC 28722
           828.894.2988
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