On September 12th, we announced the implementation of our brand new Aftercare Program. We are happy to report we now have three former residents and their children enrolled in this program and we are finding real value in maintaining contact with them.

This program is designed to provide continuous support for one year after our clients move into permanent housing. Our goal is to ensure stability and ongoing success in housing, employment, health, finances and family for both our clients and their children.

Each month, our dedicated team checks in with graduates to provide tools and resources tailored to their specific needs, whether it be for children's services, mental health support, career development, and more. We understand the move to permanent housing can bring new challenges, and we are committed to being there to address any issues that could threaten our clients' stability.

Jacklyn's journey at CRITI is nothing short of inspiring!

Despite facing unstable living, she held onto her full-time job and focused on saving money. With enthusiasm, she dove into counseling, clinical case management, and budgeting classes, making incredible strides during her stay. After just six months, her resilience truly shone as she secured her own apartment, with crucial financial support from Housing Forward Grant Funds we applied for through Hamilton County Homeless Coalition that paid her security and electric deposit along with two months of rent, allowing her to keep her savings for emergencies. Jacklyn's unwavering patience and commitment led her to graduate from the program with permanent housing, paving the way for an exciting new chapter in her life!

At our organization, we're passionate about delivering joyful outcomes for our residents every single day! Your incredible support empowers our team to focus on mission-critical activities that spark positive and lasting change. We are thrilled to continue our pursuit of excellence and to build a brighter future for all. Thank you for being such an essential part of this amazing journey with us!

A Little Library

Board Member, Amber Mueller, made us our own little library!! We've seen these all over social media and now we have one of our very own! Amber loves to read, so she wanted children at CRITI and in the surrounding neighborhood to have access to many different books.

Then, our newest maintenance volunteer, Rich Jones, came to install it! With his expertise, he was able to make a post for it and get it steady in the ground with a few suggestions to make everything truly weatherproof.



You can visit and share in our little library at the corner of our property on North Highland Park Avenue. We are super excited about this cute gift!!

CRITI Celebrates and Encourages Reading with Youth

On November 18th, the CRITI kids got to have their movie and pajama party after meeting their first reading goal!! The first goal was to collectively read 1,000 pages, but they surpassed the goal with 1,687 pages! Great job, kiddos!

The next two goals and rewards are:

- 3,000 pages: Ice Cream Party

- 5,000 pages: Glow-in-the-Dark Dance Party

A Whole New Website

Our website has a brand new look and feel and we're excited to share it with you! It also has a wealth of new content from community resources to all the opportunities to volunteer, give, and get involved at Chattanooga Room in the Inn!

As a board and finance committee member since 2019 and Treasurer for the past 2 years of Chattanooga Room in the Inn, Aubrey plays a key role in overseeing the organization’s financial health and ensuring transparency and accountability in all financial matters. With a deep commitment to the mission of supporting women and children experiencing homelessness, Aubrey is responsible for managing the nonprofit’s budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance with regulatory requirements. She works closely with the executive team and board of directors to ensure resources are effectively allocated to programs and services that uplift and empower vulnerable families.

Aubrey says, "I was drawn to work with Chattanooga Room in the Inn because of my deep commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those who are most vulnerable. I wanted to be part of an organization that not only addresses immediate needs but also works toward long-term solutions that empower individuals to rebuild their lives. I am inspired by the opportunity to contribute to an organization that provides hope, support, and a pathway to stability for families in need."

Executive Director, Taylor Hixson, had this to say about Aubrey, "I'm so grateful for Aubrey's dedication to our mission. She takes her role as a board member with such seriousness, always stepping up when needed. Her financial expertise has been invaluable in keeping our organization on solid footing, ensuring we continue to serve our community effectively and honor the generosity of our donors through responsible stewardship."

Learning Express Fundraiser

CRITI has a Fundraiser Registry at Learning Express Toys & Gifts of Chattanooga. Browse and purchase to help our fundraising efforts!

The fundraiser will end December 16th and you can pick up your items at Learning Express at 313 Manufacturers Road, Suite 103, Chattanooga, TN, 37405.



Any in-store purchase gets 10% off this weekend - but customers who purchase at least one toy from any of their Holiday Wish List charity bins can Double Their Discount to 20% off their entire order.

Resident Board Meeting

Here at CRITI, we have resident board meetings! The purpose of these meetings is to allow us to discuss policy and answer questions, but we also gain important insight and feedback from our residents so their stay at our facility can be made as comfortable and hospitable as possible. Most recently on November 11th, we learned that some curtains, toilet seats, and bath mats needed to be replaced and that's exactly what we're doing! Having these meetings also creates a sense of community and shared investment in the success of our program. We're so proud to have a standing relationship with the residents in which they feel safe to tell us what they need and trust that they will be heard.

Strategic Initiatives are Underway at CRITI

In November, our Board of Directors gathered to collaborate with Rachel Gammon, Bridge Innovate's Principal of Nonprofit Consulting, for a productive session at Bridge Innovate. Together, we focused on strengthening the Board’s role in supporting the organization’s strategic initiatives. Through thoughtful discussion and planning, we developed a comprehensive timeline to guide our initiatives over the next 12 months, ensuring we continue to make a meaningful impact in the community. What an exciting step toward a greater future!

Photo by Bridge Innovate.

Thank you, Little Buddha

Little Buddha by Daisy partnered with us November 11th-25th and donated 10% of their proceeds and even some of their inventory! They have great products such as bath bombs, body butter, facial products, and gift sets. Thank you!

CRITI Receives ARTS Grant

In response to Imagine Chattanooga 20/20, ARTSBuild has a program aimed at making arts and culture more accessible to underserved populations. This initiative focuses on inclusivity across geographic areas, ethnic backgrounds, age groups, and individuals with disabilities. The goal is to ensure everyone has the opportunity to engage with and enjoy the arts in their community.



With a grant awarded to us in October by ARTSBuild, our resident children are getting ready for an exciting adventure every Monday night during our Enrichment Hour! Resident children will dive into a world of creativity as they explore various art forms and express themselves in fantastic new ways. Through fun and engaging activities, they'll not only unleash their artistic talents but also strengthen their bond with the community. It's an amazing opportunity for young minds to shine and grow!