Our Mission

The mission of Chattanooga Room in the Inn is to empower homeless women and children to become self-sufficient by offering a temporary home while providing programs and services necessary to meet their goals.

Our History

In 1988, a study by the Chattanooga Metropolitan Council on homelessness found there were few options available to single women and women with children who found themselves homeless. Various organizations were invited to join in addressing this critical issue. The result was astonishing: Chattanooga Room in the Inn officially began on August 31, 1988, offering overnight shelter at seven area churches (Brainerd Church of Christ, Central Presbyterian Church, First Centenary United Methodist Church, First Christian Church, Hixson Church of Christ, Hixson United Methodist Church, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church). In 1992, Room in the Inn moved into its own facility and developed into a fully operational shelter open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Since its inception, Room in the Inn has been privileged to assist over 3000 homeless women and children regain their independence with dignity and security.

Chattanooga Room in the Inn (CRITI) is a three to nine month residential program for homeless women and children. Services provided at CRITI are free of charge and include transitional housing, three meals a day, access to affordable or free health care, life skills training, parenting classes, mentoring, assistance with finding affordable housing, and case management services. The 24 hour-a-day program allows the women and their children to find stability, thereby increasing their opportunities and chances for independence once they leave the program. The 24 hour a day progam allows the women and their children to find stability and thereby increase their opportunities and chances for independence when they leave the program.

As a non-profit, 501(C)(3), organization, we rely on the generosity of individuals, organizations, clubs, churches, foundations, and corporations to help us meet our financial needs. In addition to the day-to-day operating costs, funding is also required for special projects and programs. Each project or program is designed to encourage, motivate, and support residents as they build their lives and become stable.

We are proud of our association with United Way and adhere to their restrictions and guidelines in raising funds for Room in the Inn.

Chattanooga Room In The Inn
P.O. Box 3564, Chattanooga, TN 37404
230 N. Highland Park Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37404
Phone 423.624.6144   Fax 423.624.6061

An equal opportunity employer.
Check here for any current job openings.