In 1988, following a study regarding the lack of bed availability for homeless women and children, Christine Morrison was called to help. Using the model of Nashville's Room in the Inn, Ms. Morrison spearheaded efforts to recruit church and volunteers to host the homeless guests. On August 31, 1988, Chattanooga Room in the Inn was formed.

Initially, women and children were transported from Chattanooga Human Services, hosted overnight at the churches and provided a dinner and breakfast the following morning. While this got the guests off the street overnight, volunteers soon realized that without a place to go during the day, the women had little opportunity to obtain the stability necessary to become employed, or maintain employment. A day center called Bailey House was provided by the Hamilton County Democratic Party. It was here the guests could keep their belongings safe, wash laundry and bathe. Job training, health care and transportation were also available. Dr. Pope and Mary Holliday, representatives of First Centenary United Methodist Church, were instrumental in developing the services available.

Amazingly, with several personnel changes, board member rotation and other homeless services available, Chattanooga Room in the Inn has evolved into what its founders were hoping it would become...a transitional housing program that provides services to help homeless women become self-sufficient.

On August 21, 2008, Chattanooga Room in the Inn celebrated their 20th Anniversary. Ms. Morrison and Mary Holliday attended along with former and current board members and long time volunteers.

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