Resources
Ashland Christian Emergency Services “ACES” provides services (food, clothing, limited household items, limited financial support, and senior rides as identified below) to individuals and families in need that reside within central Hanover County (zip codes 23005, part of 23059 and part of 23069). We also provide clothing to those who reside within the Western Hanover Emergency Action Team “WHEAT” (wheathelp.org) service area of western Hanover County (zip codes 23015, 23047, 23146, and 23192). The eastern portion of Hanover County (zip codes 23111 and 23116) is served (same services as ACES) by Mechanicsville Churches Emergency Functions “MCEF” (4mcef.com).
In order to receive any of the resources/services offered by ACES you must register with ACES using the forms identified below:
ACES REGISTRATION FORM
If you reside within our service area, you can use this form to register for our services (food, clothing, limited household items and limited financial support). Fill out all sections of this form in pencil and sign the back in ink, then bring the form to ACES along with your photo ID and proof of residency (a piece of official mail that is no more than 60 days old and includes both your name and current address). If you are coming to ACES for the first time to receive clothing or food, you are encouraged to fill out the registration form at our facility when you arrive. You will also be required to complete an ROI form.
ACES ROI FORM
Everyone that receives services from ACES must sign and date an ROI (Release of Information/Information Sharing Agreement) Form so that we can enter your information into our database. If you are coming to ACES for the first time to receive clothing or food, you are encouraged to sign the ROI form at our facility when you arrive.
ACES FOOD PANTRY FORM
Although it is not required, if you are seeking assistance with food, you will be encouraged to complete a food pantry form. The food pantry form seeks to clarify any food allergies or special requirements that you or your family might have. It also gives you the opportunity to decline foods that you or your family do not like or would not use. Food orders are filled first come first served based on what we have in the pantry at the time of your visit.
ACES SENIOR RIDES REGISTRATION PACKET
The Senior Rides program was established to help seniors age 60 and older and disabled persons who can no longer drive and need transportation in order to stay in their homes. If you live within the Ashland, central Hanover County area (zip codes 23005, and a portion of 23059 and 23069) you may qualify for this program. The ACES Senior Rides Packet is linked below.
Assistance that may be available through ACES
FOOD
ACES can provide food to those within our service area as often as every 30 days. We primarily offer canned and dry goods, but on occasion we have refrigerated items such as cheese, hot dogs, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables. We also provide basic toiletries when we have them available.
CLOTHING
ACES can provide casual adult and/or children’s clothing to those within our service area as often as every 60 days. Children’s clothing includes newborn, infant and toddler sizes as well as little kids sizes 4 – 6X and big kid sizes 7 – 18. We also have a limited selection of shoes, dress clothes, sleepwear, underclothes (including diapers) and outerwear for adults and children.
ESSENTIAL HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
ACES can provide essential household items (bed linens, bath linens, cooking and table ware and utensils, to those within our service area as often as every 6 months if we have them in stock. Occasionally we have small appliance (fans, heaters, toasters, toaster ovens, electric skillets, crock pots, etc.) available.
SENIOR RIDES
The Senior Rides program is a nonprofit volunteer driver program coordinated by ACES and MCEF that provides transportation to seniors (60+) or persons with disabilities who are no longer able to drive and cannot obtain other forms of transportation. The program’s goal is to assist seniors to stay in their homes as long as possible. Riders must be ambulatory (able to walk independently or with use of a cane or walker). Rides may be arranged for scheduled medical appointments, grocery shopping, and personal business such as banking. Contact Hanover Senior Rides for Mechanicsville Area riders (zip codes 23111 and 23116.) at 804-357-9360 or central Hanover County area (zip codes 23005, 23059 or 23069) at (804) 543-6115. Registration is required before using this service.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
On a case by case basis, ACES may provide financial assistance in emergency situations (such as an eviction notice received for housing or a disconnect notice received for utilities). In order to be considered for financial assistance, you must register as a client (see link to forms above) and you must provide all pertinent documentation of your financial need. You may either bring your documents (photo ID and eviction notice, disconnect notice or other financial hardship documentation) to ACES during our regular business hours or you can send all relevant documentation directly to the ACES treasurer at treasurer@aceshanover.org. Please be advised, ACES will financially assist a family/household or individual no more than once in a three-year period. ACES does not provide financial assistance with day to day lodging, security deposits, or mortgage payments.
Additional Assistance that may be available within our community:
Hanover County Food Pantries
There are many churches and charitable organizations that provide food to those in need in Hanover County. Refer to the food pantry list to see what days and times the pantries in your area are open
Hanover County Health Department
The mission of the Hanover Health Department is to improve the health of our community by preventing disease, promoting healthy lifestyles, and protecting people from environmental and other hazards. Their vision is healthy people in healthy communities.
Hanover Safe Place
Hanover Safe Place(HSP) is a non-profit organization that has been providing confidential services to persons who experience domestic or sexual violence in Hanover County, VA and the Town of Ashland since the early 1990s. Included in these services are a free and confidential 24-hour crisis hot line, emergency shelter, support groups and case management. Their mission: to prevent domestic violence and sexual assault, provide services for victims, and create community awareness around these issues
Hanover Interfaith Free Clinics
Hanover Interfaith Free Clinics are a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation staffed entirely by professional and administrative volunteers. The clinics provide free health care to registered, uninsured, low-income residents of Hanover County, Virginia, who have qualified for care. They are ministry-based and are generously supported by donations and grants. They are located in Ashland and Mechanicsville and are open in the evenings. Their mission is: “To offer a faith-based healing ministry to our qualified Hanover neighbors by providing free medical and dental health care with compassion, dignity and respect.”
Virginia WIC Program
Virginia WIC Program WIC stands for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. The Program provides nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support, supplemental nutritious foods, counseling at WIC clinics, and screening and referrals to other health, welfare, and social services. The goal of the program is to improve the health of pregnant women, infants and children (under 5 years) through better nutrition and access to health care. To be eligible for the WIC Program, applicants must meet categorical, residential, income, and nutrition risk requirements.
Western Hanover Emergency Action Team (WHEAT)
WHEAT was formed in the early 80’s by a group of people from some of the churches in the Beaverdam area. It has been growing since then. They have approximately 15 churches with several members from each to keep the organization going strong with God’s help. WHEAT serves approximately 200+ families each year. WHEAT’s mission is to assist neighbors in need in Western Hanover County by providing emotional, spiritual and physical support so that God’s children can thrive, succeed and love others.
Mechanicsville Churches Emergency Function (MCEF)
MCEF is a group of churches working together to help their neighbors in need since 1976. Their mission is to help residents of Mechanicsville, VA to handle financial emergencies, prevent homelessness, improve their quality of life, promote health and wellness and to maintain their independence.
Moments of Hope Outreach
Moments of Hope (MoHope) Outreach operates a resource center in the city of Richmond. MoHope provides emergency shelter to its unsheltered neighbors, operates a food pantry, and hosts a weekly community outreach luncheon, rain or shine, with a mobile pantry, health screenings, bike shop, clothing ministry, fellowship and prayer. MoHope began as a one-man homeless outreach in late 2014, began serving Saturday lunches in late 2015, became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2016, launched an emergency shelter program in 2017, and opened a food pantry in January 2019. MoHope serves Caroline, Hanover, Henrico and King William counties, and the City of Richmond, VA.
Senior Connections
Senior Connections, the Capital Area Agency on Aging is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization established in 1973 with the mission of empowering seniors to live with dignity and choice”. They assist seniors in finding the resources that they need.
Circles Ashland
Circles Ashland has a community-based approach to dealing with poverty. They believe that responsibility for both poverty and prosperity rests not only in the hands of individuals, but also with societies, institutions, organizations and communities. They also believe that Ashland and Hanover County have an abundance of people, resources, and hope sufficient to make real change through reciprocal relationships in the community – all that is missing are strong bridges between these parts. They build these bridges by nurturing intentional friendships, providing education opportunities, and advocating for change. Their approach is a progressive model grounded in research that shows families must have strong social capital and connections (relationships and resources) with their communities in order to improve their economic situation and overall quality of life in their neighborhoods.
Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity
Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity: In 1990, a group of Hanover citizens wanted to provide safe and affordable housing in Hanover County. In order to accomplish this, they started a local affiliate under Habitat for Humanity International. Known as Hanover Habitat for Humanity, for over 30 years, they have been building homes alongside families who pay an affordable mortgage. Habitat’s Critical Repair Program began in 2017 and addresses critical repairs around the home to keep homeowners safe and dry. In 2021, Hanover Habitat for Humanity expanded to serve the residents of King William County and changed its name to “Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity”. With the help of Habitat for Humanity and the help of the community, Habitat homeowners achieve the strength, stability, and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and their families.
Hanover Christian Firewood Ministry
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