The Kelly Administration, with the help of state-wide + local organizations, recently announced they have reduced the number of those facing unsheltered homelessness in Hamilton County by ~40% in 2022 — a record-breaking progress.
In 2021, Hamilton County saw a spike in residents facing homelessness by 200% — leading the administration to announce a plan of action as part of the One Chattanooga Plan.
The city has focused on a housing-first strategy to combat this issue. This has allowed the Office of Homelessness and Supportive Housing to rapidly rehouse more than 1,000 people in 2022 — roughly ~three folks a day.
Three main contributing factors
- Federal HOME American Rescue Plan dollars | Deployed by HUD, the city was able to cover move-in costs + rent for residents until housing vouchers were obtained.
- HUD’s Emergency Housing Voucher program | The Chattanooga Housing Authority reserved vouchers for individuals + families at risk or facing homelessness.
- Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition | Local service providers, landlords, and nonprofits worked together to provide care with funding from the city.
Strides have also been made to build more affordable housing which currently is at ~115 units. With the help of the AIM Center + the conversion of the former Airport Inn, 133 more units will become available over the next two years.
Note: Efforts through programs like the Eviction Prevention + Diversion Initiatives have prevented ~600 at-risk residents from losing housing since its establishment. See a full breakdown of this data.
The city will continue to focus on building + strengthening partnerships within the city by working with the Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition, local landlords to obtain more affordable units, and more.
“This is the system working to make real, meaningful change in our community, one precious life at a time. But we’re not stopping here. Even one Chattanoogan without a safe place to call home is one too many.” — Mayor Tim Kelly
