Hamilton County, TN – Earlier this morning, Chief Deputy Austin Garrett, Chief of Staff Gino Bennett, and our Frequent User Systems Engagement (FUSE) Initiative staff participated in a ceremonial check presentation from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) at the AIM Center.

Ralph Perrey, the Executive Director of the THDA was in attendance and presented a check for $500,000 for the recent National Housing Trust Fund Grant to the AIM Center. The grant is the first funding awarded towards Espero Chattanooga, an affordable housing complex to be built at 1815 East Main Street.

Once Espero Chattanooga is built and opened, units will be dedicated to HCSO FUSE participants, providing safe, reliable and permanent supportive housing.

“The grant received today to begin the construction and advancement of the Espero Chattanooga initiative marks a new chapter in Hamilton County’s ability to serve the needs of those in our community with mental illness. Once completed, not only will Espero Chattanooga benefit the services provided by the AIM Center, but it will also greatly benefit our HCSO FUSE Initiative as we seek to reduce the amount of mentally ill individuals being incarcerated in the Silverdale Detention Center. Sheriff Hammond and I are appreciative to Congressman Chuck Fleischmann and Tennessee THDA Executive Director Ralph Perrey for their efforts to help our community secure this much needed funding,” stated Chief Deputy Austin Garrett.

Several notable members of our community and elected officials were also in attendance including Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, Senator Todd Gardenhire, and Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly.