Reducing the number of people that are unhoused has been a key goal across Hamilton County over the years, such as efforts outlined in Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly’s One Chattanooga Plan + through the work of several local organizations.

Today, we’re highlighting one local nonprofit organization that has recently undergone leadership changes + a refocusing on how to best serve our community.

Enter: The Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition (CRHC), which works to “lead, coordinate, and strengthen efforts to prevent and end homelessness throughout Southeast Tennessee."

CRHC applies for federal funding on behalf of local and regional agencies that are working toward a combined goal of ending homelessness. Think: The middleman who bridges the gaps of housing project expenses that state or federal funds may not cover.

"This organization and its mission mean the world to me, and I am grateful for the honor to lead the Coalition forward into our next chapter." — Mackenzie Kelly. | Photo provided by coeo.media

The organization recently selected Mackenzie Kelly to serve as its new executive director after a search that commenced in August 2023. Kelly was serving as interim + has been with the organization since March 2021.

Kelly said that since officially stepping into this role, the organization has refocused on making sure its staff + systems will operate more effectively. The organization has reviewed its positions and job descriptions to fill where gaps were previously.

On the systems side, CRHC offers guidance to people experiencing homelessness through a coordinated entry process, a centralized system that helps folks connect with services and resources. Kelly said the organization has made huge adjustments to ensure the entry process + the database services are user-friendly and well-maintained.

The organization isn't just concerned with letting providers know what resources are available, they also want to track where said funds are going. When providers partner with CRHC, they have access to a database — called the Homeless Management Information System — to make sure resources are being used efficiently.

Looking to the future, Kelly said she hopes to expand housing projects in the area by supporting existing organizations or partnering with new organizations, corporations, or philanthropists to start housing projects.

If you're interested in working with CRHC, you can contact the organization through an online form or by contacting the office at 423-710-1501.