Chattanooga, October 10, 2025

News Summary

The Chattanooga Homeless Coalition’s 2025 Southeast Tennessee State of Homelessness Report reveals a troubling 12% rise in homelessness in the Greater Chattanooga Area, with over 1,000 individuals affected. Particularly concerning is the increase among veterans and young adults, as well as the significant presence of homeless children. Contributing factors to this crisis include high rental costs and a lack of shelter space. The Coalition emphasizes the urgent need for government support and expanded housing programs to address these issues.

Chattanooga

The Chattanooga Homeless Coalition has released the 2025 Southeast Tennessee State of Homelessness Report, which shows a troubling 12% year-over-year increase in homelessness in the Greater Chattanooga Area. The report highlights that over 1,000 individuals are experiencing homelessness in the region, with particular concerns regarding vulnerable populations, including children and veterans.

Among those recorded as homeless, 82 individuals are children under the age of 18, indicating that families are affected by this crisis. In addition, 111 individuals had a “head of household” under the age of 24, signifying a growing issue among young adults. The report also notes a concerning 32% increase in homelessness among veterans, with 53 individuals identified in this category.

Several factors contribute to this rise in homelessness, including a significant lack of shelter space, limited housing availability, and various economic pressures. Mackenzie Kelly, the executive director of the Chattanooga Homeless Coalition, identified rising living costs as a critical contributor. For instance, the current average rental cost for a 2-bedroom apartment in the area is reported at $1,426. Individuals in the Greater Chattanooga Area need to earn at least $27 an hour to avoid being considered rent burdened, which is above 76% of wages in the region.

According to the report, the rising number of individuals experiencing homelessness for the first time emphasizes the need for targeted interventions. The Chattanooga Homeless Coalition has been advocating for expanded rehousing programs, such as Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) and Rapid Rehousing, which have demonstrated effectiveness in combating homelessness.

The report strongly emphasizes the need for government support and investment in homelessness resources and support systems. The Coalition is also seeking to enhance community efforts, including faith-based programs, to raise awareness about homelessness issues. There is an urgent call for increased funding and resources due to potential federal funding cuts that could impact housing programs.

Hamilton and Bradley Counties have seen the sharpest increases in homelessness within the Greater Chattanooga Area, raising alarms about the growing prevalence of homeless individuals in these regions. Alarmingly, while the veteran population has seen a rise in homelessness, youth homelessness was reported to have decreased by over 50% thanks to supportive programs that have successfully assisted young people in securing housing.

The issue of young adult homelessness (under 24) continues to be a significant concern, with calls for intervention strategies, such as eviction prevention initiatives, coming to the forefront as necessary measures to combat this growing trend.

Key Statistics from the Report

• Total homelessness increase: 12%
• Individuals experiencing homelessness: Over 1,000
• Children under 18: 82
• Head of household under 24: 111
• Veterans experiencing homelessness: 53 (32% increase)
• Average rental cost for 2-bedroom apartment: $1,426
• Hourly wage to avoid rent burden: $27

Comparison of Young Adult and Veteran Homelessness

FAQ Section

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Renovation of Chattanooga’s Westside Community Hub Nears Completion
Chattanooga Introduces Affordable Housing Initiatives
Chattanooga Approves First Affordable Housing Project
Chattanooga Recognized as Ideal City for Renters Amid Growing Economy and Improved Safety
Hamilton County Schools Implement New Safety Protocols
Surge in Homelessness in Chattanooga Raises Concerns
Chronic Absenteeism Challenges in Hamilton County Schools
Thousands March in D.C. Against Federal Policing Policies
Foundation House Ministries Expands Services with New Thrift Store in Athens
Chattanooga Pursues Affordable Housing for School Employees

Additional Resources

• Local 3 News: Chattanooga Homeless Coalition Address
• WDEF: Over a Thousand Homeless in Chattanooga Area
• NewsChannel 9: Housing Crisis Hits Home
• Smart Cities Dive: Chattanooga Reduced Homeless Population
• Wikipedia: Homelessness

Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER

The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.