Homelessness is surging — what can we do?
Since the pandemic began, the unsheltered homeless population in Hamilton County has increased five-fold.
By Mary Helen Montgomery
Fast facts:
Unsheltered homelessness rose from 201 people in 2020 to 1,008 people in 2022.
In the last year, the number of homeless women increased from 75 to 528.
The number of homeless encampments has decreased, making homelessness more concentrated.
In 2019, Chattanooga gained national attention for ending veteran homelessness.
State and federal funding is decreasing, but Chattanooga is still working toward solutions.
This year's "point-in-time count," which counts the number of people experiencing homelessness on a given night in our region, was just released by the Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition.
Our housing shortage fuels the problem
Housing prices have been rapidly increasing in the last several years in our area, and at the same time, many folks have experienced economic hardship due to the pandemic. Simultaneously, our local population is growing as more people choose to make Chattanooga home. The result is a severe housing shortage, increased housing costs, and a growing number of people who can’t pay rent.
Homelessness is becoming more concentrated
As the number of people experiencing homelessness is rising, the number of encampments where people stay is decreasing. While new land developments may have economic benefits for the community at large, some of these developments have displaced people staying on the land. The encampments currently in use are bigger than ever.
Is ending homelessness really possible?
Yes, it is possible.
In fact, in 2019, the Chattanooga community essentially ended homelessness among veterans in our region. Community partners closely tracked each homeless veteran by name. With sufficient funding and support, they were able to house every veteran who was experiencing homelessness at the time, and quickly house any additional veteran who would become homeless.
Chattanooga gained national recognition for reaching the “functional zero” milestone with veteran homelessness. Unfortunately, since 2019, the number of homeless veterans has risen.
More inspiration – the country of Finland has eradicated homelessness altogether.
A solution, with (at least) a $50 million price tag
“Housing is the solution for homelessness. Full stop,” says Sam Wolfe, Chattanooga’s Director of Homelessness and Supportive Services.
While we tend to talk about homelessness as a complicated issue, intertwined with addiction, mental health, and poverty, Wolfe says all we need to end homelessness is enough housing with appropriate support services. The Center for Supportive Housing estimated in a 2019 study that it would cost Chattanooga $50 million to pay for 250 housing units and support services for the next 7 years. Since the problem has only gotten much worse since that study was conducted, it would likely cost more than that now.
So what is Chattanooga doing about it?
There are several partners working to end homelessness in Chattanooga, including the City of Chattanooga, The Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition, The Community Kitchen, and others.
The city’s initiatives around affordable housing currently underway should help alleviate some of the issue, but efforts focused directly addressing homelessness are essential.
Last fall, the City of Chattanooga purchased a hotel on Lee Highway for $3 million, with plans to develop it into low-income housing. The city is also creating a temporary encampment with security to help improve safety for the unsheltered population. Director of Homelessness and Supportive Housing Sam Wolfe says there are more efforts in the works.
How can I get involved?
Become a member of the Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition. Both organizations and individuals can sign up to participate in the planning process of ending homelessness.
Donate to or volunteer at the Chattanooga Community Kitchen
