The Cost of Doing Nothing
Warren County, Tennessee is paying $16.7 million annually for a broken system. The Hand Up Hub can change that for $500,000.
$11.65M
Annual Cost of Crime
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
$5.04M
Annual Cost of Murder
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
15.34%
Poverty Rate
U.S. Census Bureau
1,122:1
Residents per Mental Health Provider
Tennessee Department of Health
12
Drug Overdose Deaths (2025)
TN Department of Health
$37K
Cost Per Child in Foster Care (Annual)
TN Department of Children's Services
What Warren County Pays Every Year
- $11.65 million on crime
- $5.04 million on murder costs
- $333,000 on foster care for 9 children
- Countless millions on ER visits, police calls, and shelter stays
- 12 families mourning overdose deaths
- 15.34% of residents trapped in poverty
- 1,122 people for every mental health provider
The Solution
The Hand Up Hub costs $500,000 to build and launch.
It saves Warren County $12.5+ million annually in avoided costs.
25x ROI
That is a $25 return for every $1 invested.
What The Hand Up Hub Offers
Under one roof, free and open to everyone:
- Food pantry – client-choice groceries
- Clothing closet – free clothing for all ages
- Private showers and on-site laundry
- Computer lab – job applications, benefit forms, resumes
- Community garden – fresh food, gardening skills
- Skill-building workshops – budgeting, job readiness, home repair
- Tool shed – like a library loan
- Neighbor mentor program – trained local volunteers
All services are free, private, and rooted in dignity.
How The Hub Reduces Costs
Crime Prevention
$11.65 million saved annually.
When families have food, clothing, and job skills, they do not resort to survival crimes. The Hub stabilizes families before they enter the legal system.
Foster Care Reduction
$333,000 saved annually for 9 children.
When parents have food, hygiene, and stability, they keep their children. The Hub keeps families together.
ER & Emergency Services
Reduced ER visits, police calls, and shelter stays.
When people have access to hygiene, food, and mental health support, they do not end up in emergency rooms or jails.
Overdose Prevention
12 lives saved per year.
Isolation and hopelessness are root causes of addiction. The Hub restores dignity and hope.
The Ask
$500,000 to open The Hand Up Hub.
This is not a donation. This is an investment in Warren County's future.
$500,000 builds a Hub that:
- Saves $12.5 million annually
- Prevents 12 overdose deaths per year
- Keeps 9 children out of foster care
- Lifts families out of poverty
- Gives 1,122 people access to mental health support
- Gives 15.34% of Warren County residents a hand up
The Cost of Doing Nothing
If The Hand Up Hub does not open, Warren County will continue to pay:
- $11.65 million per year in crime costs
- $333,000 per year for 9 children in foster care
- 12 families per year mourning overdose deaths
- 15.34% of residents trapped in poverty
- 1,122 people per mental health provider
This year. And next year. And every year after that.
