The pilot will include two single-unit shelters over the course of 12 months. | Photo provided by the City of Chattanooga
The City of Chattanooga has begun experimenting with 3D-printed technology as a new way to serve those who are experiencing homelessness within the community.
With the help of local architectural design company Branch Technology, the city has launched a 12-month pilot program that will utilize two single-unit structures as temporary shelters — all with the help of a 3D printer.
Quick facts
The pilot is funded with $19,000 from the city’s innovation fund + Branch Technology has donated its time for design and project management.
Branch Technology used its patented CompositeCore technology to create a “matrix” lattice + combined it with a robotically-cut fire-rated insulating foam.
The structures, located on a vacant parcel of land owned and donated by Olivet Baptist Church off of 10th Street, are powered, temperature-controlled, and fire-safe with a cement-based waterproof finish.
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly said, “We remain focused on closing the gaps that still exist as we shore up our affordable and supportive housing supply over the next 18 months.”
Branch Technology has previously explored the idea of creating 3D-printed shelters as a way to give back to the community.
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Photo provided by the City of Chattanooga
This will allow for a safe and secure location for residents to occupy while transitioning into more permanent housing. While in use, the city’s Office of Homelessness and Supportive Housing will oversee the management of the site while offering support and resources to its occupants.
Branch’s Chief Executive Officer Ryan Lusk added, “I love that our technology is part of promoting the dignity of people experiencing homelessness.”
After the pilot period, the city will assess the possibility of scaling up the project at a reduced cost with the help of partnerships + the community. Want to get involved? The Regional Outreach Cooperative is always seeking donations (think: non-perishable food, hygiene products, etc.) + you can inquire about volunteering via email.
Events
Today, July 12
Lunch and Learn | Wednesday, July 12 | 12-1 p.m. | green|spaces, 63 E. Main St., Chattanooga | $0-$15 | Learn about C-PACER, one of the strategies in Mayor Tim Kelly’s Climate Action Plan, and how it affects Chattanooga.
Thursday, July 13
Family Creek Day | Thursday, July 13 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Audubon Acres, 900 N. Sanctuary Rd., Chattanooga | $3-$30 | Splish-splash in the creek while you learn more about our waterways and the creatures that inhabit it.
Killer Beaz | Thursday, July 13-Saturday, July 15 | Times vary | The Comedy Catch, 29 Station St., Chattanooga | $20-$25 | Have a night full of laughs with this comedian who is known for his “high energy + everyman” style humor.
Friday, July 14
Ice Cream Crawl | Friday, July 14-Sunday, July 16 | Times vary | Locations vary, Downtown, Chattanooga | Price of purchase | Celebrate National Ice Cream Day with special deals + treats at participating locations.
NOOGAtoday Brewery Tour with ChattaBrew Tour | Friday, July 14 | 4 p.m. | Meet at Chattanooga Brewing Co., 1804 Chestnut St., Chattanooga | $45 | Enjoy a guided walking tour to four Chattanooga breweries with us — use code “NOOGATODAY” for $10 off.
Monday, Aug. 14
Gavin DeGraw | Monday, Aug. 14 | 8 p.m. | The Signal, 21 Choo Choo Ave., Chattanooga | $30-$45 | Grab your tickets to see Gavin DeGraw at The Signal on Monday, August 14th.*
The best 2023 Prime Day deals to upgrade every room in the house
Yup, it’s on sale — snag the Samsung TV that doubles as a work of art. | Photo via Amazon
Boy, do we have good news for you: Amazon’s Prime Day deals are here. Browse our favorites:
Prime Day deal: SAMSUNG The Frame TV, $1,497.99 $987.99 — Finally get a magazine-worthy living room with a TV that looks like a picture frame and displays art when it’s turned off.
Hamilton County will host a joint drug take-back, shred, and senior health fair event on Friday, July 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the North River Civic Center in Hixson. Bring unwanted prescriptions and documents to be properly disposed of + check out available health resources.
Noogan
Larry Taylor of Signal Mountain will receive the Medal of Honor for his service in Vietnam in June 1968. Larry received a phone call from President Joe Biden that he would be gifted the award in the upcoming month in Washington. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Read
SoLit will offer its free Spark Creative Writing Workshops for teens on July 17, 24 + 31 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The workshops will explore different genres and work on various elements of craft. Register online.
Community
Come on Barbie, let’s go party. Eros Hat Co. is teaming up with local artist Olivia Reckert to host a Barbie-themed Sip ‘n Strokes event on Thursday, July 20 at 6:30 p.m. This 21+ event will feature an opportunity to paint alongside Olivia + enjoy charcuterie and themed drinks. Get your tickets.
City planner and award-winning author Jeff Speck will be the Chattanooga Design Studio’s CIVIQ series guest speaker on Thursday, Sept. 28. Jeff is known internationally for advocating for more walkable cities. RSVP for free.
Home
Are your energy bills hiking up with the summer temperatures? We asked the EPB Energy Pros to give us their best tips for optimizing home energy usage — see what they had to say with these four ways to lower your energy bill this summer.*
Watch
In our digital world, scams and security threats are increasingly common. It’s important to stay vigilant and informed in order to protect yourself and your money. Take an inside look at prevalent scams + practical steps you can take to stay safe.*
It’s the last day of Amazon Prime Day. Shop the deals, including 30% off the TV that looks like a picture frame on your wall.*
Entertainment
🎡 Did someone say funnel cake?
The Hamilton County Fair makes a comeback
Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp said the McDonald Farm is “one of the county’s most incredible assets” + that the fair will honor the history of the county. | Photo provided by Hamilton County
Hamilton County recently announced it will re-envision and bring back the County Fair this upcoming fall during Veterans Day weekend on Nov. 10-12, after a multi-year hiatus.
The three-day fair will take over the 2,100-acre McDonald Farm (16705 Coulterville Rd.) for the first time + is being presented by title-sponsor Little Debbie with “a renewed focus on telling the story of Hamilton County and celebrating our shared future.”
Food and craft vendor applications are now open. Note: Applying does not guarantee a space, as spots are limited + will be based on the “uniqueness of their product or service, the appearance of the display,” and more.
Fairly certain you can attend? Grab tickets now. Stay tuned for more information by following the fair’s Instagram page.
It’s the last day of Amazon Prime Day sales — aka, discounts on everything from iPads to furniture to nugget ice makers. Surf the sales or check out our picks. Note: Deals may be subject to change.
Family
Keep crumbs and messes under control with the iRobot Roomba that empties itself — it’s $400 off (yes, you read that right).
Eat
Bread makers are making a comeback, and we totally get why (read: soft, warm, homemade bread). Snag the Hamilton Beach Bread Maker that’s $34 off.
Arts
Customize tees, pillows, and totes with the Cricut Heat Press Machine’s pro-level heat-transfer that lasts through repeated washes. Get it while it’s 20% off.
Outdoors
Keep comfy and cool this summer with wear-anywhere black running shorts, discounted down from $24.99 to $18.39.
I absolutely love fair food. Think: corn dogs, Italian ice + funnel cake covered with delicious powdered sugar. There’s just something about eating your way around while playing games that it would be positively nefairious if you didn’t.
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