Tech-Enabled Charity Network Connects Churches to Local Needs

A new tech-enabled charity network called CarePortal is helping churches in Hamilton County, Tennessee, connect directly with vulnerable families by streamlining how needs are identified and met. Functioning like a social impact version of Uber, the platform allows vetted needs—submitted by Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) caseworkers—to be posted online. Churches and individuals signed up with CarePortal are then notified and can respond by providing financial assistance, items, or prayer.

The platform was recently rolled out in Hamilton County as part of Every Child Tennessee, a broader initiative supported by a $500,000 contract from the state. The effort is designed to foster stronger collaboration between faith-based organizations, community members, and government agencies to support foster care and at-risk families. Since its expansion last year, CarePortal has helped around 2,000 children across Tennessee.

In one example cited by local program facilitator Audrey Beatty, a church helped a struggling family by paying their rent and personally connecting with them. In another case, churches responded to a request for beds from a caregiver taking in foster children. Orchard Park Seventh-day Adventist Church stepped in to deliver multiple beds, exemplifying how CarePortal enables churches to mobilize resources quickly and meaningfully.

Pastor Troy Brand of Orchard Park was drawn to CarePortal’s ability to let churches contribute based on their capabilities—whether financial, logistical, or relational. He sees the tool not only as a way to meet physical needs but also to improve the public perception of churches as actively caring for their communities.

As requests continue to flow through the system—currently averaging about one per week—CarePortal is poised to become a vital part of church-led outreach and social service collaboration in the region.

For more details, refer to the original article on Chattanooga Times Free Press.