ABOUT US
Chattanooga Room in the Inn (CRITI) offers a six-month residential program for women and children experiencing homelessness. Women and children coming into our program may stay at our facility, free of charge, for up to six months while they rebuild their lives in five major focus areas:
Health, Housing, Finances, Family, and Career.​
At CRITI, we are committed to empowering women and their children by essential support services aimed at fostering stability and independence. Our offerings include transitional housing, daily meals prepared by dedicated volunteers, life skills training, parenting classes, and mentoring. Additionally, we assist clients in locating affordable, permanent housing and provide tailored case management services. Through these initiatives, we aim to create sustainable opportunities for a successful future.
OUR SERVICES
HEALTH | HOUSING | FINANCES | FAMILY | CAREER
Chattanooga Room in the Inn stands as a strong support system for women ready to confront the challenges that brought them to us. Our robust, comprehensive program delivers essential resources and tools, empowering them to take charge of their lives and build a brighter future. We are committed to paving the way to stable living, and we recognize the dedication and resilience of the women in our program as they work diligently to break the cycle of homelessness for good. Together, we are driving meaningful change and fostering lasting independence. Click the Programs button above to learn more about our offerings.
OUR IMPACT
We have been working diligently to make our programs stronger so they can bolster more successful stories for residents and we are proud to publish our annual impact reports here:
OUR ACCOUNTABILITY
We are dedicated to responsible and transparent stewardship of our community's generosity. View our financial statements here:
OUR HISTORY
Chattanooga Room in the Inn began in 1988 as a result of a community-wide analysis of needs in the Chattanooga area spearheaded by Christine Morrison. It revealed there were few beds available to single women and women with children who found themselves homeless. Volunteers from seven area churches organized the first program of emergency shelter. Women and children were fed a hot meal and given a safe place to stay for the night, then given breakfast in the morning. Church vans then transported the residents to the next host church for the evening. Each church was a host one night a week. The goal of shelter was met but the women and children had to move to a new location every day. This went on for four years until Congresswoman Marilyn Lloyd stepped in and a HUD grant was received and we were able to move into a permanent location in 1991, which is where we still operate today.
Founding Churches:
First Christian Church Chattanooga
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church
Clear Creek Church
Hixson United Methodist Church
Central Presbyterian Church (now closed)
First Centenary United Methodist Church
Brainerd United Methodist Church