Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga is an independent, non-profit, ecumenical, Christian housing ministry that partners with all people. It has been an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International since 1986.
Habitat currently builds about 14 simple, decent, affordable homes each year in partnership with those in need.
Founded in 1986, Habitat began its ministry constructing new three and four bedroom houses with an average size of 1,050-1,150 square feet.
Major Projects
In 1995 and 1996, we undertook our first multi-house cooperative effort, building six houses on Fairview Drive as part our 10th Anniversary Build. The development at Fairview Park was created in partnership with Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise and Inner City Development Corporation, Tennessee Housing Development Agency, Federal Home Loan Bank and AmSouth Bank.
Habitat Square - our next major project, took place in 1998 and 1999, with the inception of our first all Habitat development at Habitat Square. The Habitat Square neighborhood included 20 houses, all built on land formerly occupied by East Chattanooga Elementary. Habitat Square marked our first venture funded in part with a federal SHOP grant, and the city of Chattanooga assisted with much of the infrastructure.
In 2002 Habitat began development of Shepherd Park, a 50 home neighborhood off Airport Road near the Chattanooga airport. The final phase of this efort - Barnes Court -- has recently been completed.
Habitat is now (2007) working on a group of Earth Craft homes (energy efficient) on Scrugg's Street near Erlanger, where we have completed our 200th house, sponsored by EPB and TVA, and the Riverbend House, sponsored by America's Home Place, Chattanooga Association of Realtors, Chattanooga State and the Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union.
Additional homes are in progess: One funded by the NCAA and America's Home Place, and another funded by community donors and built by Chattanooga Firefighters.
Plans are currently being laid for our next multi-home development,increased partnerships with community organizations, and a strengthening of our family services and ReStore Progams.
If you would like more information about you can be involved, please give us a call at 423-756-0507.
Habitat for Humanity houses are affordable because they are:
- Built by volunteers working with future homebuyers
- Sold at no profit
- Financed with a 15 to 25 year 0% interest mortgage
Habitat for Humanity houses are “no frills” simple, decent houses with:
- Insulated walls, ceilings, crawlspaces, and windows
- Easy to maintain design and materials
- Modern fixtures and appliances
Habitat for Humanity houses are home to over 190 local families who:
- Attended budgeting, construction, home maintenance, and legal and insurance classes
- Invested 300 hours of “sweat equity”
- Built their own homes with the help of Habitat friends and community volunteers.
- Pay a combined total of more than $138,000 a year in city and county property taxes.
