The Creating Homes Initiative (CHI), led by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, strives to grow safe, affordable, and permanent housing to Tennesseans with mental illness and co-occurring disorders. With the state’s 2021 budget, the Creating Homes Initiative was provided with over $850 million, allowing them to develop 25,000+ new housing opportunities throughout the state. For the state’s 2022 budget, they have introduced Creating Homes Initiative 3.0 which will expand housing options for people getting out of jail or prison. The changes seen within the CHI 3.0 expansion diversifies the range of Tennesseans served under this program, just as it had during the CHI 2.0 expansion in 2020 which expanded housing options to Tennesseans recovering from addiction.
In support of the initiative’s efforts, the state of Tennessee currently provides a framework, incentives, and a team of six Regional Housing Facilitators who serve as full-time affordable housing development experts and grant writers. This team of six, and a Director of Regional Housing Facilitators, work closely with local/regional task forces (now, Continua of Care) to identify areas of need and prioritize upcoming projects. Projects entail the development or improvement of permanent housing opportunities with a continued focus on independent rental and home ownership. However, this initiative provides options for individuals with a range of needs up to housing with 24/7 supervision.
Looking to learn more? Follow this link to access their Regional Housing information.