Community Helping Place

What Community Helping Place does

Community Helping Place is a private nonprofit social services organization headquartered in Dahlonega, Georgia, serving Lumpkin County residents living at or below 200% of the federal poverty line. Founded over 30 years ago, it operates as the largest social services organization in the county, reaching one in five local residents through an integrated portfolio of programs. Core service lines include a food pantry serving 900+ individuals monthly, a thrift store generating approximately $300,000 annually, the Anne Green Free Clinic providing free medical, dental, mental health, and vision care with 14 volunteer physicians, community navigation and case management (5,422 residents served in 2024), and the CORE Initiative for opioid response in partnership with the CDC Foundation.

The organization delivers services through multiple physical locations (food pantry, thrift store, and free clinic in Dahlonega) and mobile outreach via the Opportunity Bus, addressing transportation and access barriers for a low-income rural population. Its operating model is volunteer-driven, with nearly 300 volunteers contributing 10,000+ hours annually, supplemented by a small paid staff of 1-10 employees. Revenue is generated through a diversified mix including thrift store sales, individual and corporate donations, grants from national and regional funders (Feeding America, Atlanta Community Food Bank, Georgia Mountain Food Bank, Kroger Foundation, Food Lion, Lighthouse Foundation, CDC Foundation), and annual fundraising events. Distribution is achieved through walk-in services, appointments, partner-agency referrals, and community outreach, with services provided free of charge to all clients.

Technically, the organization operates on standard nonprofit case management and operational systems with no disclosed proprietary technology. Strategic partnerships with over 80 agencies, businesses, institutions, and faith communities, plus academic relationships with Georgia State University and the University of North Georgia, form the core of its service-delivery infrastructure. Leadership is stable, with Executive Director Melissa Line (since 2019) and Director of Operations and Development Paula Payne (since 2008) overseeing a 16-member Board of Directors.

Name

Community Helping Place

Legal name

Community Helping Place

Website

https://communityhelpingplace.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Community Helping Place is a nonprofit social services organization in Dahlonega, Georgia, serving one in five Lumpkin County residents at or below 200% of the federal poverty line through a food pantry, thrift store, free medical/dental/mental health/vision clinic, community assistance, and opioid response programs, all delivered free of charge via a volunteer-driven model.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Human and Social Services

NAICS

Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services (6242), Individual and Family Services (6241), Social Assistance (624)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Centers & Neighborhood Support Services (BPAGAEAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Financial Assistance & Benefits Navigation Services (BPAGAEAK), Mental Health & Crisis Support Services (BPAGACAD), Homelessness Prevention, Shelter & Supportive Housing Services (BPAIANAC)

Keywords

• Emergency food assistance
• Free medical clinic
• Social services nonprofit
• Community case management
• Thrift store operations

Headquarters

HQ city

Dahlonega

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Thrift Store Sales: Thrift store generates nearly $300,000 each year from sales of donated items. This funding allows the organization to operate its food pantry, community navigation, and free clinics. The store sells clothing, appliances, furniture, and collectibles through both physical storefront and e-stores on eBay and Poshmark.
2. Individual and Corporate Donations: The organization relies on donations from individuals, businesses, and faith communities to fund operations. Donations can be made through the website, by check, or in-kind.
3. Grant Funding: The organization receives grant funding from organizations such as Georgia Mountain Food Bank for operational support including their refrigerated van 'Frosty'. Also receives funding through the Family Wellness Initiative and Opportunity Lumpkin programs.
4. Fundraising Events: Annual events including the Tomato Sandwich Supper and Gold Party generate operational support for the free clinic and other programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Community Helping Place is a nonprofit social services organization that provides free emergency food, free medical, dental, mental health and vision care, financial assistance, transportation, and intensive case management to Lumpkin County residents living at or below 200% of the federal poverty line. Its services are delivered through a Food Pantry, Thrift Store, Anne Green Free Clinic, Community Assistance programs, the Opportunity Lumpkin mentoring initiative, and the CORE opioid response program, with mobile outreach via the Opportunity Bus.

Product overview

Community Helping Place is a nonprofit social services organization serving Lumpkin County for over 30 years, offering an integrated portfolio of services. The Food Pantry serves as the flagship program addressing food insecurity. The Thrift Store generates approximately $300,000 annually in revenue to support operations. The Anne Green Free Clinic provides integrated medical, dental, vision, and mental health services. Community Assistance includes financial aid, transportation, case management, and the Family Wellness Initiative. The CORE Initiative addresses the opioid crisis through prevention and recovery support. These services work together to address barriers to access and provide comprehensive, trauma-informed care to residents living at or below 200% of the federal poverty line.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Food Pantry Free emergency food assistance program serving over 900 individuals each month in Lumpkin County. Operates Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00AM-1:00PM at 1127 Hwy 52 E., Dahlonega, GA 30533, with home delivery available for residents unable to visit during normal hours.
• Thrift Store Retail thrift store selling donated clothing, appliances, furniture, and collectibles at low prices, with an E-Store on eBay and Poshmark for collectibles and antiques. Generates nearly $300,000 in annual revenue that subsidizes CHP's free programs. Open Monday-Saturday 10:00AM-5:00PM at 1127 Hwy 52 E., Dahlonega, GA 30533; offers furniture pickup within 30 miles.
• Anne Green Free Clinic Comprehensive free clinic serving uninsured and underinsured patients of Lumpkin County since 2007. Provides integrated medical, dental, mental health, and vision services staffed by 14 volunteer physicians and additional medical and clerical volunteers. Located at 75 Rock House Rd., Dahlonega, GA 30533.
• Medical Clinic Services Free medical clinic offering primary care, sick visits, women's health, prescription assistance, chronic disease management, specialty care referrals, a Hepatitis C program, and laboratory services for uninsured and underinsured residents of Lumpkin County. Open Monday-Thursday 8:00AM-4:00PM.
• Dental Clinic Services Free dental services including cleanings, x-rays, extractions, and fillings for uninsured and underinsured residents of Lumpkin County. Operates Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8:00AM-4:00PM at the Anne Green Free Clinic.
• Vision Clinic Services Free quarterly vision clinic held at the Anne Green Free Clinic. Provides free vision examinations and prescription glasses for $20 for uninsured residents. Supported in part by the Lighthouse Foundation.
• Mental Health Counseling Free mental health counseling including individual, family, and group counseling for anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Staff includes Terri Blazek (MSW), Dr. Brad Blazek, and Sarah Kimbrell (LCSW), supplemented by Georgia State University interns. Offers Teen Girls Group (Tuesdays at 4pm), Veterans Group (Mondays at 5pm), and Mental Health Support Group (Wednesdays at 5:30pm).
• Community Assistance Community navigation services including rent and utility assistance ($70,000 provided in 2024), transportation to medical and employment appointments (511 individuals transported in 2024), intensive case management, voucher program for fuel and thrift store essentials, and the Family Wellness Initiative providing 16 hours of education in parenting, financial literacy, and goal setting.
• Opportunity Lumpkin Grant-funded initiative operating the Buster the Opportunity Bus mobile outreach and a community mentor program. In 2024, mentors provided 740 hours of service and drove 3,966 miles supporting identified clients, in partnership with Georgia State University as a Health Opportunity Pilot site.
• CORE Initiative (Community Opioid Response & Education) Program addressing the opioid crisis through a Post Overdose Response Team (PORT), transportation to treatment, counseling, and medical appointments, long-term case management, and Narcan distribution and education. Operated in partnership with the CDC Foundation and the Enotah Judicial Circuit, in collaboration with law enforcement, EMS, and counseling partners.

Quantifiable outcome

• Food pantry serves 900+ people per month
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Georgia Mountain Food BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGeorgia Mountain Food Bank provides grant funding allowing the organization to purchase their refrigerated van 'Frosty' for food distribution. This partnership supports the food pantry operations and food delivery services.
• Feeding AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational food bank network member providing access to food resources and support for addressing food insecurity in Lumpkin County.
• Atlanta Community Food BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional food bank partnership providing food resources and support for the food pantry operations.
• Northeast Georgia Health SystemcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare system partner providing medical support and collaboration for the free clinic services.
• Georgia State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner involved in the Health Opportunity Pilot site for the Opportunity Lumpkin program. Also provides student interns for case management and mental health services.
• University of North Georgia FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational institution partnership providing support and collaboration for community programs.
• Dahlonega Sunrise Rotary ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerService club partner providing volunteer support and community engagement.
• Bridge to RecoverycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRecovery center partner for the CORE Initiative providing treatment and recovery support services.
• Lumpkin County Sheriff's OfficecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLaw enforcement partner in the CORE Initiative for opioid response and community safety.
• Lumpkin County Emergency Medical ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEMS partner in the CORE Initiative providing emergency medical response and overdose intervention support.
• Dahlonega Police DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPolice department partner in the CORE Initiative for community opioid response.
• Cornerstones Counseling CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCounseling center partner providing mental health and substance abuse services as part of the CORE Initiative.
• Sleep in Heavenly PeaceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization that provides beds for children in need. Community Helping Place refers children requiring beds to this organization.
• Green ZoneminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for recycling clothing that is ripped, torn, or stained, generating revenue from items that cannot be sold in the thrift store.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics: Membership organization supporting a national network of free and charitable clinics, including Community Helping Place's Anne Green Free Clinic. Comparable in mission and volunteer-physician model; functions as a peer support/association rather than direct operator.
• Feeding America: National hunger-relief organization and active partner of Community Helping Place's food pantry. Comparable in food distribution mission; operates as upstream wholesale food bank rather than direct-service provider.

Direct peers

• Volunteers in Medicine (VIM): National network of free clinics relying on volunteer physicians to serve uninsured and underinsured patients. Direct peer to Community Helping Place's Anne Green Free Clinic, with similar volunteer-driven model and target population.
• St. Vincent de Paul USA: Faith-based nonprofit operating thrift stores that fund local food, rent, and utility assistance through parish-based conferences. Closely comparable thrift-funded direct-assistance model to Community Helping Place.

Broad incumbents

• United Way Worldwide: National nonprofit that funds and coordinates local social service programs, including food, housing, and health access. Comparable in its community-coordination role and partnership-driven model, though at a federated national scale.
• Catholic Charities USA: National faith-based network providing food, housing, financial assistance, and case management through local agencies. Comparable integrated service approach to Community Helping Place, but operating diocesan-scale programs nationwide.
• Goodwill Industries International: National nonprofit operating thrift retail stores that fund workforce development and community programs. Comparable to Community Helping Place's thrift store-as-fundraiser model, but at a vastly larger scale and with a job-training rather than direct-services mission.
• The Salvation Army: National multi-service nonprofit providing food assistance, rent/utility aid, thrift stores, and disaster relief. Directly comparable integrated service model to Community Helping Place, operating at a much larger national scale.

Regional players

• Atlanta Community Food Bank: Regional food bank serving the greater Atlanta area, including Lumpkin County. Active partner providing food resources to Community Helping Place; comparable food distribution model at a regional wholesale scale.
• Georgia Mountain Food Bank: Regional food bank serving north Georgia including Lumpkin County, and a direct funder of Community Helping Place's refrigerated van 'Frosty'. Closest geographic peer in food distribution.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/chpdahlonegaga
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/community-helping-place

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles31 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Community Helping Place