The Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition has released the results of the 2025 point-in-time count, offering a snapshot of homelessness across its 11-county continuum of care.
Conducted on the night of Jan. 22 in accordance with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requirements, the PIT count identified 1,092 individuals experiencing homelessness in the region. Of those, 656 were unsheltered and 436 were staying in shelters.
“The PIT count yields essential data that drives federal funding decisions and informs local strategies to address homelessness,” says Mackenzie Kelly, executive director of the CRHC. “It also offers a powerful opportunity for volunteers and partners to engage directly with the region’s homeless response.”
CRHC used three primary methods for data collection: observation, a standard HUD-mandated survey and the Universal Housing Assessment Survey, which helps link individuals to local housing services. Data was gathered through a coordinated effort involving outreach at encampments, brick-and-mortar facilities, search party-style canvassing and data from the Homeless Management Information System.
The annual count is a key requirement for communities receiving HUD funding and helps determine the allocation of critical resources to address homelessness. While the PIT Count represents only one night, CRHC emphasizes that it is a key tool for understanding trends and coordinating long-term solutions.
The Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition has served Southeast Tennessee since 1995.
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Nashville’s Studio Bank enters Chattanooga
Nashville-based Studio Bank has expanded into the Chattanooga market. The bank will open a temporary office at Warehouse Row before developing a full-service location at the same site.
Led by longtime Chattanooga banking professional Jeff Bridgman, the new Studio Bank team includes a group of seasoned local bankers with deep ties to the region. Bridgman, who brings nearly 30 years of experience, most recently served as executive vice president at Builtwell Bank.
Joining Bridgman are:
• Rachell Bilbrey, a commercial and treasury banking expert and recent recipient of the Independent Community Bankers Association’s Top 40 Under 40 award
• Bonnie Blalock, who has served business and corporate clients in Chattanooga for over three decades
• Bryan Fryar, a commercial and private banking specialist with 30 years of experience
• Jennifer Griffin, a seasoned commercial lender with more than 30 years in banking
• Dylan Paris, a commercial banking adviser with over two decades of industry experience
• Shaina Smith, known for her work in mortgage lending and business relationship management
• Allison Gifford, who has held multiple leadership roles in banking over the past 25 years
• Linda Smith, a senior commercial para-lender with more than 25 years of portfolio management experience
Founded in 2018, Studio Bank was the first de novo (newly chartered) bank in Nashville in over a decade and has grown rapidly, surpassing $1 billion in assets. Chattanooga clients can visit the new team at 1110 Market Street, Suite 304B.
American Airlines adds flights to Chicago
Travelers flying out of Chattanooga will soon have a new way to connect to the Midwest and beyond. Beginning Oct. 6, 2025, American Airlines will launch nonstop service between Chattanooga Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport – one of the busiest hubs in the nation.
The new route adds to American’s existing service from Chattanooga to Charlotte, Washington D.C., Dallas-Fort Worth and seasonal flights to Miami.
The flights will be operated with Embraer 175 aircraft and provide access to hundreds of domestic and international destinations through American’s global network.
Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority board chairman Jim Hall noted the new route reflects the region’s growing demand and strengthens its position in the national transportation network.
Flight Schedule:
CHA to ORD: 7:25 a.m. (arrives 8:25 a.m.), 5 p.m. (arrives 6 p.m.)
ORD to CHA: 1:54 p.m. (arrives 4:30 p.m.), 7:05 p.m. (arrives 9:41 p.m.)
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Chattanooga launches neighborhood grant
The city of Chattanooga has opened applications for its fiscal year 2026 Neighborhood Action Grant, offering funding to help local neighborhoods showcase their identity and foster community pride through creative branding projects.
Administered by the Neighborhood Services Division, the grant is open to all Neighborhood Associations currently registered with the city. Applicants can request up to $1,500 for projects such as sign toppers, porch banners, yard signs or entryway markers. A total of $25,000 in funding is available citywide.
The grant application window runs through June 30. Applications may be submitted online, and paper applications are available upon request.
Applicants are required to submit a short story about their neighborhood, a project description, three product quotes and a detailed budget. Projects must be completed by Aug. 15.
Award notifications will be issued July 14 following an application review period. Grant recipients must submit a final report detailing the project’s outcomes, including the number of branding elements installed and the extent of community involvement.
Neighborhood or homeowners groups uncertain of their registration status can contact the Neighborhood Services Division at neighborhoods@chattanooga.gov for assistance.
ChattState, ETSU expand transfer pathways
Chattanooga State Community College has signed a series of new transfer agreements with East Tennessee State University (ETSU). The agreements create pathways for graduates of 24 associate degree programs to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree at ETSU.
The agreements cover five Associate of Science and 19 Associate of Applied Science programs, allowing students to transfer without losing credits.
Chattanooga State Associate Vice President Dr. Mosunmola George-Taylor and other faculty and staff from both institutions played key roles in developing the agreements, which support Chattanooga State’s long-term goal of offering transfer pathways for all of its career and technical associate programs.
ETSU Associate Vice Provost Dr. Bill Flora says the partnership will have impact across the region.
“East Tennessee State University is committed to the partnership with Chattanooga State Community College and the continued development of articulation pathways that provide students opportunities to achieve their personal and professional goals.”