FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE AIM CENTER ANNOUNCES APPLICANT PROCESS FOR ESPERO, CHATTANOOGA’S NEWEST 60-UNIT HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
Chattanooga, Tennessee (April 27, 2026) – The AIM Center is pleased to announce, in partnership with the Chattanooga Housing Authority, the upcoming availability of housing units under the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Program at a new development, Espero Chattanooga located at 1807 and 1823 E. Main St. Chattanooga, Tennessee 37404.
19 units (one-bedroom) are reserved for referrals through the Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition’s (CRHC) Coordinated Entry System (CES). All referrals for these units will be made exclusively through CES in accordance with local Continuum of Care (CoC) policies and procedures. The remaining 41 units are comprised of a mixture of one- and two-bedroom units.
Applicant screening, selection, and placement will be conducted in full compliance with all applicable U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations, including the Continuum of Care (CoC) Program Interim Rule (24 CFR § 578.7(a)(8))
Prospective tenant applicants for Espero Chattanooga will be selected from a waitlist by the AIM Center Housing Resource Center in conjunction with the Chattanooga Housing Authority. The AIM Center will publicize waiting list opportunities through required public notice methods, including but not limited to its website, social media platforms, and postings in the front lobby.
The AIM Center Housing Resource Center waitlist will open on May 15, 2026 for the Espero Chattanooga Housing Project. This will be the only opportunity for the public to apply for the initial lease-up, and interested applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their waitlist applications during this timeframe.
AIM Center is committed to providing a fair and transparent application process while expanding access to quality, affordable housing for the Chattanooga community.
What This Means for Applicants:
Individuals currently on the AIM Center Housing Resource Center waitlist do not need to reapply and may be contacted regarding potential eligibility for Project-Based Voucher (PBV) units at Espero. For those not yet on the waitlist, an opportunity to apply will be provided during the four-hour open enrollment period on May 15, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in person at the AIM Center, located at 472 West MLK Blvd. Chattanooga, TN 37402.
Eligibility:
Selection for Project-Based Voucher (PBV) units includes verification of income eligibility and screening in accordance with HUD Housing Choice Voucher program requirements under 24 CFR Part 983. Units may be designated for specific populations, such as persons with disabilities or households requiring supportive services, consistent with HUD regulations and applicable federal fair housing laws.
To Apply:
- Location: AIM Center (472 W MLK Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37402), beginning at 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM on Friday, May 15, 2026. Please arrive at the back entrance facing the parking lot, where signage will direct you to the designated line formation area.
- Application Type: In-person only on May 15, 2026 during the designated time frame. Applications will not be accepted online, by phone, or through any electronic submission methods. Applications will not be accepted early or beyond the time frame provided. Applications will not be retained after initial lease-up and stabilization of the Espero site. At this event there will be an opportunity to complete a Universal Housing Assessment to be added to the Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition’s “By Name List”.
- Ticketing System: AIM Center will distribute a maximum of 200 tickets on a first-come, first-served basis, limited to one ticket per household. Once tickets have been distributed, no additional applicants will be accepted. All household members age 18 and older must be present, and tickets must be retained at all times.
- Capacity: This opportunity is limited to the first 200 applicants. Once capacity is reached, no additional tickets will be issued, and individuals will be turned away. The waitlist is capped at 200 applicants and will be administered using a numbered ticketing system as described above. There is no guarantee of housing placement even with a numbered ticket.
- Identification Materials: Applicants must bring a government-issued ID or driver’s license for all household members age 18 and older, as well as a birth certificate and Social Security card for all household members.
No Guarantee of Assistance:
Submission of an application and placement on the waitlist does not guarantee eligibility, selection of a unit, or receipt of housing assistance, as all determinations are made in accordance with program requirements and availability.
Questions:
For additional information, applicants may contact the AIM Center or CHA at:
AIM Center Inc: aimcenterinc.org
Email: housing@aimcenterinc.org
Chattanooga Housing Authority: chahousing.org
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About AIM Center
Since 1989, AIM Center has empowered adults living with serious mental illness (SMI) to lead fulfilling and productive lives while successfully managing their mental health. Using the internationally accredited Clubhouse model of psychosocial rehabilitation through Social Practice, AIM Center offers radical acceptance, personalized support, and practical resources that help members build relationships, pursue recovery goals, and live with dignity and purpose.
Membership is open to any adult diagnosed with SMI. Once a member, always a member. AIM Center is a private nonprofit supported by foundations, public and private grants, TennCare, and individual donors. We are the only Clubhouse International-accredited facility in Tennessee, providing a safe and supportive community where recovery happens every day.