Care Center
Care Center counselor meeting with a neighbor in Cookeville, TN
Care Center · Cookeville, TN

Providing food, clothing, and the hope of Jesus to our neighbors in need.

Whether you need a hand today or you're ready to lend one, you're in the right place.

I Need Help I Want to Give
Mon, Wed, Fri · 12–2 PM 406 Short Street, Cookeville

Over 1800 families come to us every year. Many don't know where their next meal is coming from.

You don't have to face this alone.

For over 20 years the Care Center has been serving Cookeville families with food, clothing, and compassionate counseling - completely free.

1800+
Families served every year
3
Days a week we open our doors
100%
Free — every visit, every time

Getting help is simple.

Three steps. No paperwork mountain. No judgment. See exactly how we help Cookeville families.

  1. Care Center food pantry shelves in Cookeville, TN
    Step 01

    Come as you are

    Walk in during open hours — Mon, Wed, or Fri from 12–2 PM. No appointment needed.

  2. Counselor meeting with a neighbor at Care Center Cookeville
    Step 02

    Meet with a counselor

    Sit down one-on-one and share your needs privately. We'll listen, pray with you, and point you to the right help.

  3. Bags of free groceries packed for Cookeville families at the Care Center
    Step 03

    Leave with what you need

    Food, clothing, and care — yours to take home, completely free.

See How We Help
Why Jesus?

Everything we do flows from one source.

We don't serve our neighbors to earn anything. We serve because Jesus served first — and his love compels us. Want to know what that means?

Why Jesus?

Your gift changes a family's week.

You can be the reason a child has a toy. A mom brings home groceries. A dad finds hope.

  • $20 feeds a family for a week
  • $100 feeds a family for a month
  • $1000 feeds a family for a year
For our neighbor that needs care

Make a gift today

Frequency
Amount
$

Secure giving · 501(c)(3) tax-deductible

Secure giving · 501(c)(3) tax-deductible · 100% goes to neighbors in need

Without ongoing support, families go without. There are no government subsidies here — just people like you who give, week after week, so no neighbor is turned away.

This is what care looks like.

From a volunteer
"The Care Center is close to my heart. God has blessed me with a Christ loving family there. I love serving the Lord and I feel like I'm doing that by serving his people. The people are so kind and caring and I love the way that you see Jesus through them."
Georgie
FROM A CHURCH
"SSBC supports the work at the Cookeville Care Center because their desire is, and has always been, central to what God demonstrates in the Scripture for His church to do - care for the poor and needy and make disciples of Christ."
Rick

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers about getting help at the Care Center in Cookeville, TN.

Do I need an appointment?
No. Just walk in during open hours — Monday, Wednesday, or Friday from 12 to 2 PM.
Is everything really free?
Yes. Food, clothing, and counseling are 100% free, every visit, with no strings attached.
Who can come to the Care Center?
Anyone in need. We serve families and individuals in Cookeville, Tennessee and the surrounding Upper Cumberland area.
What do I need to bring?
Nothing. You do not need an ID, paperwork, or proof of income. Just come as you are.
How often can I come back?
You get 7 visits per year.
Do you offer help beyond food and clothing?
Yes. We offer free one-on-one counseling to help you navigate your situation, connect with other community resources, and find hope.
Where are you located?
We are at 406 Short Street, Cookeville, TN 38501.
Are you a Christian organization?
Yes. Care Center is a Christian nonprofit ministry. We serve everyone regardless of their beliefs, and our counseling is faith-based.

Not ready to give financially? Volunteer with us.

Every hour and every partnership multiplies what we can do for our neighbors.

Volunteer Weekly Become a Church Partner