Business Details
44 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Homeless Support in Chattanooga
Founded in 1982, the Community Kitchen has dedicated over four decades to addressing homelessness and poverty in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Originally established as the Chattanooga Community Kitchen by seven local churches, the organization has evolved into a comprehensive support system offering food services, shelter, job training, healthcare, and permanent housing solutions. Our mission focuses on meeting basic needs while creating pathways to self-sufficiency through programs like the Pathway to Employment initiative, Permanent Supportive Housing, and the Maclellan Shelter for Families. With a staff and volunteer network serving over 365 days annually, we provide three daily meals, clothing assistance, case management, and life-skills training to thousands annually.Accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation for Healthcare Organizations, our Homeless Health Care Center pioneered medical services for vulnerable populations nationally. Through community partnerships and donor support, we maintain operational transparency and ethical standards while adapting to evolving social challenges, ensuring clients receive holistic care from immediate crisis intervention to long-term stability.
Services
Food Services
Emergency Shelter
Job Training
Case Management
Permanent Housing
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience addressing homelessness in Chattanooga
- Our comprehensive services integrate immediate needs with long-term solutions
- We operate Tennessee's first freestanding healthcare clinic for the homeless
- Our job training program partners with local employers for employment placement
- We maintain transparent operations with federal 501c3 nonprofit compliance
Associations and certifications
- Joint Commission on Accreditation for Healthcare Organizations
What people say
Caring staff
Life-changing programs
Comprehensive support
Welcoming environment
Services
Food Services
Three daily meals served to homeless and low-income individuals in a welcoming environment. Our kitchen provides nutritious breakfast, lunch, and dinner options without discrimination. This program addresses immediate hunger while connecting guests with additional support services.
Emergency Shelter
Safe overnight accommodations for homeless individuals and families with 24-hour access during crises. The Maclellan Shelter for Families offers immediate housing solutions while connecting residents with case management and employment resources for long-term stability.
Job Training
Workforce development initiative combining skills workshops, resume assistance, and job placement services. Participants gain practical experience through kitchen employment while receiving personalized case management to improve employment retention rates and career advancement.
Case Management
Personalized guidance connecting clients with housing, healthcare, and financial literacy resources. Our case managers provide ongoing support through transitional housing programs and employment initiatives, addressing both immediate needs and systemic barriers to self-sufficiency.
Permanent Housing
Stable housing programs for chronically homeless individuals and families through properties like the House of All Souls and Matthews Place. These residences combine independent living with supportive services to maintain long-term housing stability and community integration.
Questions
What services does Community Kitchen offer for homeless individuals?
We provide meals, emergency shelter, job training, case management, and permanent housing solutions tailored to individual needs.
How can I access emergency shelter services?
Our Maclellan Shelter for Families offers immediate overnight accommodations with 24-hour access during crises.
Does Community Kitchen offer job training programs?
Yes, our Pathway to Employment program includes skills workshops, resume assistance, and job placement services with local employers.
What are the meal service hours?
Breakfast: 7:00-8:00 AM, Lunch: 11:30 AM-12:30 PM, Dinner: 3:30-4:30 PM daily at 727 E. 11th St.
How can volunteers contribute to Community Kitchen?
Volunteers can assist with food service, clothing distribution, shelter operations, and special projects through our organized volunteer program.
Is Community Kitchen a registered nonprofit?
Yes, we are a federally qualified 501c3 organization (EIN: 62-1151413) with transparent operations and community accountability.
