Who We Are
Creative Compassion tackles the affordable housing crisis in the Upper Cumberlands by building or maintaining homes for low-income families. Our projects not only provide necessary housing but also enhance community stability. These efforts are crucial for the social and economic development of the area.
Creative Compassion was created in 1989 by a preacher and his wife, Michael and Judy Smathers. Their shared dream was to provide for the physical, right-now needs of Cumberland County and surrounding areas. Because of the perseverance of the Smathers and all those who have provided support throughout the years, Creative Compassion has helped families and individuals alike with home ownership, home repair, and housing payment assistance.
CCI has stayed true to its mission of helping local residents with housing opportunities, and we are always looking to help many more!
Who We Help
- Low-income families looking to construct a new home
- Low-income homeowners needing help paying for home repairs
- Low-income families looking to be approved for safe mortgage financing (which they can use to build a home through us or buy a home through a realtor of their choice)
- Anyone facing financial hardship who need help paying their utility, rent, and/or mortgage with available payment assistance.
Our Mission
To improve the quality and quantity of affordable housing and home ownership opportunities for low and moderate income persons and families.
Our Motive
To apply the ideals of Christian compassion to the creative solution of economic and housing issues facing low and moderate income persons.
Our Board of Directors
Denise Cooper
Creative Board President
Casey Sherrill
Creative Board Vice President
Grant Thurman
Creative Treasurer/
Secretary
Sarah Halcott
Executive Director
Mike Smathers
CCI Founder
Kim Jordan
Jena DeMars
Savanna Donathan
Caitie Philhower
David Robbins
Kenneth Chadwell
CCI Legal Counsel
Looney, Looney, & Chadwell PLLC
Administrative Documents
As a Tax-Exempt charitable organization, we make returns and exemption applications filed with the IRS available to the public and copies are available upon request. Each document is linked below. Reasonable copy and postage fees may be collected as allowed by IRS rules. Allow up to 30 days for written requests. To request a paper copy please mail your request to our P.O. Box or visit our office during regular business hours.
Current ByLaws
CURRENT Bylaws Creative 12-2022
IRS Documents
2022 990 final
990 signed Final 2021
Form 990 2020
IRS 501(c)3 Letter
Annual Audits
2022 Final Audit
Audit Final 2021
Final 2020 Audit
