New Chattanooga cohort has the potential to create up to 400 affordable homes.
Announcement comes during the 20th anniversary year of Enterprise’s national initiative.

CHATTANOOGA, TN (April 20, 2026) — Enterprise Community Partners (Enterprise), in partnership with the City of Chattanooga, today announced the eight faith-based organizations selected to participate in the first Chattanooga cohort of the national Enterprise Faith-Based Development InitiativeSM. Representatives from these houses of worship will receive training, consulting from industry professionals, grant funding, and technical assistance to support the transformation of their underutilized land into affordable housing and community-serving developments.

The announcement comes as Enterprise marks the 20th anniversary of its Faith-Based Development Initiative, a national effort that has helped congregations across the country turn surplus land into affordable homes, early childhood centers, community hubs, and other critical neighborhood assets.

“For two decades, Enterprise’s Faith-Based Development Initiative has helped congregations turn faith into action,” said David Bowers, Senior Advisor for the Faith-Based Development Initiative, Enterprise. “Houses of worship are deeply rooted in their communities and often steward land that can play a powerful role in addressing the housing crisis. As we celebrate 20 years of this work, the Chattanooga cohort reflects the growing momentum behind faith-based housing solutions nationwide.”

“Atlanta, Miami, Charlotte, and now Chattanooga—the Faith-Based Development Initiative is expanding rapidly across the Southeast,” said Dr. Christie Cade, VP and Southeast Market Leader, Enterprise. “We’re seeing what’s possible when public, private, philanthropic, and faith leaders come together with a shared vision. We can unlock new land and partnerships and ensure more families have a place to call home.”

“As the city continues to address affordable housing, we greatly appreciate the partnership between Enterprise Community Partners and Chattanooga’s faith-based community,” said Mayor Tim Kelly. “This initiative lifts up these houses of worship by offering the technical assistance necessary to turn land into affordable housing across Chattanooga. I’m confident this cohort will do great work.”

The following organizations were selected for the inaugural Chattanooga cohort:

  • Union Gospel Mission / Chattanooga Outreach
  • Community Haven
  • Greater Emmanuel Apostolic Temple
  • Metropolitan Ministries
  • New Hope Baptist Church
  • Olivet Baptist Church
  • Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church
  • World Restoration Center

Collectively, the cohort owns more than 25 acres of land across Chattanooga, and they aim to serve populations facing the greatest need, including low-income families and workforce, seniors, veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and individuals with disabilities. The envisioned projects range from transitional housing to homeownership.

Over the coming months, participating organizations will take part in workshops, undertake feasibility analyses and market studies, and take advantage of peer learning opportunities designed to help them evaluate development opportunities on their land and build partnerships with housing developers and community stakeholders.

Since launching two decades ago, Enterprise’s Faith-Based Development Initiative has helped congregations nationwide navigate the complexities of housing development and unlock land to create over 1,900 homes with 9,000 more in the projected pipeline. What began as a local effort has grown into a national movement helping faith communities become catalysts for housing affordability and equitable development.