JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
New data regarding homelessness throughout Southeastern Tennessee showed a 12% percent increase throughout the region.
According to the Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition during its State of Homelessness report, over 1,000 individuals across 11 counties were confirmed homeless in the span of a single night back in January. Both nearby Hamilton and Bradley counties received the highest increase of homeless individuals, with factors ranging from increased housing costs and financial gaps in healthcare to instances of substance abuse playing key roles in the spike within the homeless population.
While general homelessness has recently increased, Executive Director Mackenzie Kelly of the Coalition publicly stated that efforts to lowering the number is underway. Homelessness in youths have dropped 50% alongside family-based homelessness. The reduction is due to local and federal programs providing assistance to those in need across the area. The Coalition has also mapped out recommendations for local government officials and nonprofits to help further reduce homelessness.
Marion County reportedly has nine individuals confirmed to be homeless within the community. The county’s poverty rate being 16.9% as of 2024, nearly five percent higher than the 12.4% national average. Despite the numbers, work is currently underway to reduce homelessness throughout Southeastern Tennessee.
Photo from WCTV News Channel 9