In the 2024-2025 school year, there are already 1200 students identified as homeless under the McKinney-Vento Act within Hamilton County Schools. Chatanooga 2.0 is proud to announce a new county-wide pilot program designed to end homelessness among Hamilton County School students. In collaboration with the Chattanooga Housing Authority, Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition, City of Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and Hamilton County Schools, this first-of-its-kind 18-month pilot program aims to provide stable housing and essential support services to students and their families.
Addressing a Growing Need
As homelessness continues to rise in the area, the number of students experiencing housing instability is also expected to grow. Without a stable home, students face traumatic and high-stress situations that can have lasting effects on their emotional well-being, academic performance, and future opportunities. Research shows that housing instability leads to increased absenteeism, behavioral challenges, and disruptions in learning, all of which interfere with long-term educational and career success.
Through this program, our community is showing a commitment to ensuring every student has a safe place to call home, which will help to create a more stable and equitable learning environment for all.
How it Works
The pilot program will focus on identifying and housing families with students in need while providing ongoing services to support long-term stability. Over 18 months, partners in this program will track the number of families receiving assistance, monitor student attendance, and asses the overall impact on education and well-being.
Key Goals
First 3 months: Secure permanent housing for up to 60 households, impacting approximately 150 students during the pilot.
Long-Term: Reduce learning gaps, behavior infractions, chronic absenteeism, and health-related issues associated with homelessness.
A Collaborative Effort
“This initiative isn’t just about one single solution,” Chattanooga 2.0 Executive Director Keri Randolph said. “Over the next 18 months, our approach will continue to change, but our commitment remains the same: to end school homelessness and create brighter futures for our children.”
By providing students and families with the housing stability they need, this program will not only improve educational outcomes but also contribute to a stronger, more connected Chattanooga community. If the pilot is successful, partners plan to continue the work into the future.
