The Chattanooga Housing Authority (CHA) and the City of Chattanooga are partnering to provide vouchers to homeless individuals in the city. With the city adding seven new housing navigators and case managers, access to the vouchers will become much easier for individuals seeking assistance.

Vouchers are used by participating landlords throughout Hamilton County to offset the cost of monthly housing rentals. Ultimately, the city will employ three full-time case managers, four full-time housing navigators, one full-time outreach coordinator and four part-time outreach coordinators.

Homeless individuals and families will be referred by the Chattanooga Homeless Coalition’s Coordinated Entry System as well as from the City of Chattanooga’s Homeless Services Program. Sam Wolfe, the city’s homeless program coordinator noted the importance of the partnership. He said, “Last year, the City of Chattanooga commissioned  a study on homelessness in the city. Working with CHA, we believe these vouchers will  provide opportunities to greatly diminish homelessness in the city and we’re grateful for the difference these vouchers will make as we continue the important work ahead of us.”

CHA executive director Elizabeth McCright said, “Our board took action that amended the authority’s Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) Administrative Plan to include the City of Chattanooga as a referral source for housing preference vouchers. The change takes place immediately and we couldn’t be more excited that more homeless individuals and families will receive the housing support and associated case managements that they need. This partnership will result in many moving from homelessness to hopefulness for their futures.”

Mayor Andy Berke said, “The more partnerships we can develop with organizations like the Chattanooga Housing Authority, the more stability we can create for people in our city. I appreciate our continued partnership with CHA and look forward to the difference we can make by working together.”