In 1988, a study by the Chattanooga Metropolitan Council on homelessness found there were few options available to single women and women with children who found themselves homeless. Various organizations were invited to join in addressing this critical issue. Using the model of Nashville's Room in the Inn, Christine Morrison spearheaded efforts to recruit church and volunteers to host the homeless guests.The result was astonishing: Chattanooga Room in the Inn officially began on August 31, 1988, offering overnight shelter at seven area churches (Brainerd Church of Christ, Central Presbyterian Church, First Centenary United Methodist Church, First Christian Church, Hixson Church of Christ, Hixson United Methodist Church, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church). In 1992, Chattanooga Room in the Inn moved into its own facility and developed into a fully operational shelter open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.