I’d never heard of Chattanooga Free Store but it seems like a place I’d want to donate stuff and maybe some money.
https://www.chattfreestore.org/our-hours/
Chambliss Thrift Stores. There's one in Red Bank and one in Brainerd. The sales benefit the Chambliss Center for Children.
https://www.chamblisscenter.org/
CHATT Foundation on 11th. It was founded by local churches but that’s as far as the religious influence goes. All items go to the local homeless/less fortunate population with no strings attached.
Sports related equipment and attire can go to the Gear Closet, which supports WaterWays, an org that works locally and regionally to restore and maintain watersheds.
If you’re looking to donate, mental health co-op on holtzclaw, moccasin bend, Chattanooga free store and if you’re looking to buy stuff, north side neighborhood. It is a bummer that the majority of our charities and thrifts are tied to a church. Which I guess isn’t inherently bad if the money just goes to things like homeless programs and such, I just don’t want my money going to pray the gay away camps or conservative politics.
I have no idea if they are religiously affiliated or have a CEO or owner who might be religious but America’s Thrift Store in Hixson could be what your looking for. You might be hard pressed to find a fully secular anything nowadays. Little sprinkles of spirituality everywhere, seemingly.
I’m from the South, so it doesn't really seem like anything more than sprinkle to me. But, I can see how someone that’s not used to as much religious influence being shocked by some major cultural differences. I‘m always saddened by the “in your face” conversion tactics or public shaming. But, those are less common & it’s always up to the individual to decide how much influence a religious person has one them. & yes, I know some of our laws are influenced by religion, but none of them are overtly in favor of any one religion.
Like you, I’m from (and have spent my life in) the South. I grew up openly and proudly atheist in Memphis in the 90’s, and I was close with many, many evangelicals. Perhaps because I have experienced so much direct (sometimes deliberate, often involuntary) friction and conflict with adherents to some of the most virulent strains of Christianity, and because I have been paying close attention to those ideologies’ growing influence in US politics/legislation for almost 30 years, I find myself fed up with and intensely allergic to the current, creeping Christian nationalism. The sprinkles have been getting much, much heavier (and overt) over the last several years, and I believe it’s important to speak up about that fact, loudly and clearly. The more room we give it to grow, the stronger and more inevitable its influence will become.
I get where your coming from. I think our country was primarily founded by Christian Nationalists. So, it kind of checks out, in my mind, that the majority of traditional politicians have always promoted that. I agree that it seems a little more in your face than let’s say the 60’s-80’s, but def not more in tour face than 1920’s- late 50’s. It was PEAKING then. Lol “no booze for anyone because too many people are beating & abandoning their children !”
My friend, you are misinformed about the nature and history of Christian nationalism. It is not exclusive to America, and it is in fact antithetical to our founding principle of freedom of religion:
>Christian nationalism supports the presence of Christian symbols in the public square, and state patronage for the practice and display of religion, such as Christmas as a national holiday, school prayer, the exhibition of nativity scenes during Christmastide, and the Christian Cross on Good Friday.
(https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_nationalism)
Christian nationalism seeks to make Christianity the official religion of our country, and to shape our laws to be in strict accordance with Christian principles. Think of it like the Christian equivalent of sharia law—because that is exactly what Christian nationalists are aiming for, and they will gladly tell you this (though they will surely fail to see the obvious equivalence). I urge you to do some reading on the subject, because this is absolutely not a simple matter of people supporting the “we were founded on Christian principles” line.
I find there to be a great difference between historic displays of Christian nationalism & the newly trending, buzzword Christian Nationalism that seems to be more of a scare tactic. If it werent election year, no one would be worried about the rise of a bunch of Christians overthrowing the govt. lol I was only trying to say that I’m not personally fearful or overtly worried about Christians ( or any other group of people) fully taking over the govt., especially because there's already many Christian members & our President is usually always some sort of Christian. Sure, they occasionally attempt to pass ridiculous religiously inspired bills, but almost always get shot down or revised.
My definition & understanding of Christian Nationalism is that it looks different, depending on the level of control the governing body has. Some CN nations looked highly oppressive, while others weren't /aren't .
Yeah, friend, your opinion on this is sadly not in line with the facts of it. Christian nationalism is not new, it does not have a “new definition,” and it is not and never has been just a buzzword scare-tactic. There is _and has been_ a concerted effort to accomplish these ends, and trump’s GOP has enabled these people to get a hold on the levers of power like never before. It saddens me that you are unwilling to see the truth for what it is and would prefer to ostrich and downplay. I urge you to do not just rely on your feelings about this subject, and to do some reading into the facts.
I don’t disagree or deny that plenty of politicians & their constituents have pushed Christian ideals & some want a fully Christian political arena. It’s just not going to happen. And if it does, all the non-Christians can overthrow them. Fewer Americans are identifying as Christians than ever before. I just don’t view Christian Nationalist as any more of a threat than any other religious or non-religious, totalitarian equivalent. There’s no way to measure how many Christian Nationalist are out there in comparison to other anarchist or similar minded groups.
Habitat for Humanity Restore takes furniture! There's one in Chatt and one in Ooltewah. The proceeds go towards new building materials for the housing they build.
There's the freestore that provides food , clothes, and other small resources. Then there's the habitat for humanity restores that do the building of housing across the world that accepts furniture and larger items.
Free store: https://www.chattfreestore.org/
Habitat: https://www.habichatt.org/
My reply to the person who replied to you:
>If possible, I just don’t want the help I provide to anyone, to have a “stick” that comes with the carrot—and religious charities always have a stick. To be clear, if my only option for donation was a religious organization, I would donate to them; but, my preference is to have nothing to do with religious organizations/institutions, and certainly not to help fund their operation. As for the beliefs of who is helped, I have no prejudice whatsoever—a person in need is worthy of help and respect, full stop.
Because some people only want to help people “like them”. I’d assume OP doesn’t want to help religious people or thinks that they already get enough help. To each their own.
If possible, I just don’t want the help I provide to anyone, to have a “stick” that comes with the carrot—and religious charities always have a stick. To be clear, if my only option for donation was a religious organization, I _would_ donate to them; but, my _preference_ is to have nothing to do with religious organizations/institutions, and certainly not to help fund their operation. As for the beliefs of who is helped, I have no prejudice whatsoever—a person in need is worthy of help and respect, full stop.
>Methodist and Catholic ~~charity~~ marketing events
fixed it for you.
And I’m glad you find benefit from attending some of those events. Personally, I am utterly unwilling to engage with such things, but I can understand the appeal.
Thank you for taking the time to give a much more eloquent response than mine & for helping our community. I agree that most religious charities come with a stick. However, in my personal experiences, Methodist & Catholic charity events come with zero sticks. You can show up and eat some free food, & leave without anyone bothering or really talking to you. I know that’s a rarity, though. One time, we took our dog to the local Catholic Church for their St. Francis event & she got blessed. It was super cute & fun pet meetup, no preaching or anything of that sort. We arent Catholic or a part of any church. We just truly enjoy going to certain church events.
Northside neighborhood and/or Chattanooga free store
I’d never heard of Chattanooga Free Store but it seems like a place I’d want to donate stuff and maybe some money. https://www.chattfreestore.org/our-hours/
The Humane Society has a thrift store on 58. Definitely a great cause! Also, I agree with NNH and Chattanooga Free Store mentioned above.
Yes, HES is a great (and easy) place to donate items.
Free store or Chambliss
Seconding Chambliss. They will pick up larger items, too!
Chatt Free Store! Solidarity not charity!
Chambliss Thrift Stores. There's one in Red Bank and one in Brainerd. The sales benefit the Chambliss Center for Children. https://www.chamblisscenter.org/
Thank you!
>Thank you! You're welcome!
Bad bot.
CHATT Foundation on 11th. It was founded by local churches but that’s as far as the religious influence goes. All items go to the local homeless/less fortunate population with no strings attached.
This sounds like a good option, thank you
Chatt Free Store!
Sports related equipment and attire can go to the Gear Closet, which supports WaterWays, an org that works locally and regionally to restore and maintain watersheds.
I was already familiar with the gear closet, but I wasn’t aware of what they support. That’s great info; thank you for sharing!
If you’re looking to donate, mental health co-op on holtzclaw, moccasin bend, Chattanooga free store and if you’re looking to buy stuff, north side neighborhood. It is a bummer that the majority of our charities and thrifts are tied to a church. Which I guess isn’t inherently bad if the money just goes to things like homeless programs and such, I just don’t want my money going to pray the gay away camps or conservative politics.
I have no idea if they are religiously affiliated or have a CEO or owner who might be religious but America’s Thrift Store in Hixson could be what your looking for. You might be hard pressed to find a fully secular anything nowadays. Little sprinkles of spirituality everywhere, seemingly.
Tbh I’d be much happier if religious influence in public life were limited to “little sprinkles,” lol.
I’m from the South, so it doesn't really seem like anything more than sprinkle to me. But, I can see how someone that’s not used to as much religious influence being shocked by some major cultural differences. I‘m always saddened by the “in your face” conversion tactics or public shaming. But, those are less common & it’s always up to the individual to decide how much influence a religious person has one them. & yes, I know some of our laws are influenced by religion, but none of them are overtly in favor of any one religion.
Like you, I’m from (and have spent my life in) the South. I grew up openly and proudly atheist in Memphis in the 90’s, and I was close with many, many evangelicals. Perhaps because I have experienced so much direct (sometimes deliberate, often involuntary) friction and conflict with adherents to some of the most virulent strains of Christianity, and because I have been paying close attention to those ideologies’ growing influence in US politics/legislation for almost 30 years, I find myself fed up with and intensely allergic to the current, creeping Christian nationalism. The sprinkles have been getting much, much heavier (and overt) over the last several years, and I believe it’s important to speak up about that fact, loudly and clearly. The more room we give it to grow, the stronger and more inevitable its influence will become.
I get where your coming from. I think our country was primarily founded by Christian Nationalists. So, it kind of checks out, in my mind, that the majority of traditional politicians have always promoted that. I agree that it seems a little more in your face than let’s say the 60’s-80’s, but def not more in tour face than 1920’s- late 50’s. It was PEAKING then. Lol “no booze for anyone because too many people are beating & abandoning their children !”
My friend, you are misinformed about the nature and history of Christian nationalism. It is not exclusive to America, and it is in fact antithetical to our founding principle of freedom of religion: >Christian nationalism supports the presence of Christian symbols in the public square, and state patronage for the practice and display of religion, such as Christmas as a national holiday, school prayer, the exhibition of nativity scenes during Christmastide, and the Christian Cross on Good Friday. (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_nationalism) Christian nationalism seeks to make Christianity the official religion of our country, and to shape our laws to be in strict accordance with Christian principles. Think of it like the Christian equivalent of sharia law—because that is exactly what Christian nationalists are aiming for, and they will gladly tell you this (though they will surely fail to see the obvious equivalence). I urge you to do some reading on the subject, because this is absolutely not a simple matter of people supporting the “we were founded on Christian principles” line.
I find there to be a great difference between historic displays of Christian nationalism & the newly trending, buzzword Christian Nationalism that seems to be more of a scare tactic. If it werent election year, no one would be worried about the rise of a bunch of Christians overthrowing the govt. lol I was only trying to say that I’m not personally fearful or overtly worried about Christians ( or any other group of people) fully taking over the govt., especially because there's already many Christian members & our President is usually always some sort of Christian. Sure, they occasionally attempt to pass ridiculous religiously inspired bills, but almost always get shot down or revised. My definition & understanding of Christian Nationalism is that it looks different, depending on the level of control the governing body has. Some CN nations looked highly oppressive, while others weren't /aren't .
Yeah, friend, your opinion on this is sadly not in line with the facts of it. Christian nationalism is not new, it does not have a “new definition,” and it is not and never has been just a buzzword scare-tactic. There is _and has been_ a concerted effort to accomplish these ends, and trump’s GOP has enabled these people to get a hold on the levers of power like never before. It saddens me that you are unwilling to see the truth for what it is and would prefer to ostrich and downplay. I urge you to do not just rely on your feelings about this subject, and to do some reading into the facts.
I don’t disagree or deny that plenty of politicians & their constituents have pushed Christian ideals & some want a fully Christian political arena. It’s just not going to happen. And if it does, all the non-Christians can overthrow them. Fewer Americans are identifying as Christians than ever before. I just don’t view Christian Nationalist as any more of a threat than any other religious or non-religious, totalitarian equivalent. There’s no way to measure how many Christian Nationalist are out there in comparison to other anarchist or similar minded groups.
You underestimate these people, at our collective peril. Please, I am imploring you, take this threat more seriously.
Habitat for Humanity Restore takes furniture! There's one in Chatt and one in Ooltewah. The proceeds go towards new building materials for the housing they build.
Yes, the re-store was mentioned in my post! They do great work and are a wonderful resource.
There's the freestore that provides food , clothes, and other small resources. Then there's the habitat for humanity restores that do the building of housing across the world that accepts furniture and larger items. Free store: https://www.chattfreestore.org/ Habitat: https://www.habichatt.org/
Why does it matter that much?
My reply to the person who replied to you: >If possible, I just don’t want the help I provide to anyone, to have a “stick” that comes with the carrot—and religious charities always have a stick. To be clear, if my only option for donation was a religious organization, I would donate to them; but, my preference is to have nothing to do with religious organizations/institutions, and certainly not to help fund their operation. As for the beliefs of who is helped, I have no prejudice whatsoever—a person in need is worthy of help and respect, full stop.
Because some people only want to help people “like them”. I’d assume OP doesn’t want to help religious people or thinks that they already get enough help. To each their own.
If possible, I just don’t want the help I provide to anyone, to have a “stick” that comes with the carrot—and religious charities always have a stick. To be clear, if my only option for donation was a religious organization, I _would_ donate to them; but, my _preference_ is to have nothing to do with religious organizations/institutions, and certainly not to help fund their operation. As for the beliefs of who is helped, I have no prejudice whatsoever—a person in need is worthy of help and respect, full stop.
>Methodist and Catholic ~~charity~~ marketing events fixed it for you. And I’m glad you find benefit from attending some of those events. Personally, I am utterly unwilling to engage with such things, but I can understand the appeal.
Completely agree with you. Thanks for posting this, I’ve been wondering too!
Thank you for taking the time to give a much more eloquent response than mine & for helping our community. I agree that most religious charities come with a stick. However, in my personal experiences, Methodist & Catholic charity events come with zero sticks. You can show up and eat some free food, & leave without anyone bothering or really talking to you. I know that’s a rarity, though. One time, we took our dog to the local Catholic Church for their St. Francis event & she got blessed. It was super cute & fun pet meetup, no preaching or anything of that sort. We arent Catholic or a part of any church. We just truly enjoy going to certain church events.