The Chattanooga Times Free Press Neediest Cases Fund has helped thousands of Chattanooga-area residents over the past 100-plus years, but it did a bit more for Bryant Ellis of Hixson.
“Neediest Cases changed my life,” said Ellis, 61. “Literally.”
In 2019, money from Neediest Cases and volunteer help from union electricians and affiliated contractors rebuilt and rewired the dilapidated mobile home in which Ellis had been living. Three years later, he owns and runs Neighborhood Veteran Lawn Services.
“Neediest Cases isn’t crazy money, usually around $750 (per client), but it has a weight that lends a sense of hope,” said Jessica Pilcher, director of community programs at the United Way of Greater Chattanooga, which administers Neediest Cases and similar funds.
“Mr. Ellis was able to turn that hope into action,” Pilcher said. “That’s something we’re very proud of.”