Housing is one of the most critical issues facing Chattanooga. As a candidate for Chattanooga City Council, I am deeply committed to addressing the challenge of homelessness with compassion, innovation, and evidence-based solutions. This is not just about finding temporary fixes but creating lasting pathways to stability and dignity for every member of our community.

As of January 2025, the average monthly rent in Chattanooga stands at $1,218—a staggering 30-35% increase since 2020. For many, this rise has stretched budgets thin, pushed families out of stable housing, and led to an increase in our unhoused population. In 2024, Chattanooga had nearly 800 individuals experiencing homelessness. While this number has decreased over the last 4 years, I contend that no one should feel as though their options are limited to the point of desperation. These are not just statistics; they represent our neighbors, friends, and fellow residents who have been left behind in the face of rapid economic shifts.

We cannot ignore that homelessness impacts everyone in our city, from the individuals directly experiencing it to the broader community’s sense of safety and well-being. This challenge demands thoughtful solutions that go beyond complaint-driven responses or punitive measures. Across the country, cities like Atlanta and Denver are demonstrating that there is another way. By building micro-communities for those experiencing homelessness, they have quickly and efficiently provided safe, transitional housing paired with essential support services. These initiatives have empowered residents to rebuild their lives and move into permanent housing with greater success than many traditional approaches.

I believe Chattanooga can draw inspiration from these cities. We have the opportunity to implement creative, data-supported solutions that address the root causes of homelessness. Micro-communities, when combined with wraparound services such as job training, mental health resources, and substance use treatment, could provide our city with a scalable and compassionate model for reducing homelessness.

At the same time, I recognize that community support is essential to the success of these initiatives. Residents understandably bring their own experiences and perceptions to the table, shaped by past interactions with the unhoused. That’s why open communication and transparent engagement will be foundational to my approach. I want to create spaces where concerns can be heard and addressed while demonstrating the positive impact of these innovative solutions for everyone in our city.

Homelessness is a complex issue, but it is not an insurmountable one. Other mid-size cities have shown that with bold leadership and a willingness to try new approaches, we can foster both compassion and progress. As your City Council representative, I will advocate for strategies that bring our community together and create opportunities for all residents to thrive—because Chattanooga is strongest when no one is left behind.

I invite you to join me in this important work. Together, we can build a city that reflects our shared values of kindness, resilience, and a commitment to solutions that benefit everyone.