The Espero Project

Where Hope Becomes Home

Espero Chattanooga (meaning ‘Hope’ in Spanish), is set to be a transformative affordable housing project to support the well-being of Chattanooga’s most vulnerable populations and contribute to the reduction of healthcare and community care costs. This project serves as part of the AIM Center’s commitment to building communities of hope for those living with serious mental illness throughout the Greater Chattanooga region. Espero is a housing community where every resident has the support they need to thrive. With convertible spaces that adapt to personal preferences, soothing indoor and outdoor amenities, there’s something for all. We anticipate Espero is comprised of 60 units – primarily 1-bedrooms, with some 2-bedrooms. 19 of these units will be reserved for the chronically unhoused and justice-system involved individuals with SMI. Espero plans to be open Spring/Summer 2026. For more information on becoming a resident of Espero, please refer to the press release issued on April 27th, 2026 or scroll down.

structures

partnering agencies

units of housing

of funding support

$ 0 M

Location

The Espero Project is located at 1807 and 1823 E. Main St. Chattanooga, Tennessee 37404.

Unit Features

Open concept living and kitchen; Energy Star appliances including dishwasher, oven with cook-top, refrigerator, a microwave; central heat/air; In-unit laundry.

Amenities

Green space accessibility with a native plant garden courtesy of the Lyndhurst Foundation; Community Room with kitchen space; a community-style workstation; conference room; two outdoor courtyards; bike storage; and a covered city bus stop.

Espero Floor Plans

One Bedroom Apartment

Two Bedroom Apartment

Espero Applicant Information

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 (CHA). The AIM Center Housing Resource Center waitlist will open on May 15, 2025 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.

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.

To read the full press release with more details, click here.

Applicant FAQ's

When is this being held?

The event will take place on Friday, May 15th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM EST.

Where is this being held?

This event will be located at the AIM Center located at 472 W MLK Blvd Chattanooga, TN 37402.

Where should I enter the building at The AIM Center?

Clear signage will be posted to direct applicants to the appropriate entry point.

What can I expect when I arrive?

Upon arrival, applicants will be guided through a structured, step-by-step process by AIM Center staff. This will include check-in, ticket verification, and instructions for completing the pre-application. Staff will be available throughout the process to provide direction and assistance.

Where can I park on May 15th?

Please follow all posted traffic signs and park in the designated Hamilton County lot located at 401 West MLK Blvd Chattanooga, TN 37402. Traffic control personnel will be onsite to assist and direct vehicles to the appropriate parking areas.

What happens if more than 200 households arrive?

A ticketing system will be implemented to manage attendance. A total of 200 tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. All household members 18 years or older MUST be present.

What is Espero Chattanooga Pet Policy?

Residents are permitted to have pets in accordance with the following guidelines and a $50.00 deposit per animal:

One-Bedroom Units: A maximum of one (1) pet is allowed.

Two-Bedroom Units: A maximum of two (2) pets are allowed.

Assistance animals include both service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs) as defined under applicable Fair Housing laws.

Residents requesting an assistance animal must submit a reasonable accommodation request.

While fees and deposits are not charged for assistance animals, residents may be held financially responsible for any damages caused by the animal.

What am I applying for?

Applicants are applying to be placed on the Espero Lease-Up Waitlist, which is being created specifically for the initial lease-up of the Espero property. This process is intended to identify households for available units as they are filled. Please note that this is a one-time, property-specific waitlist. Once Espero reaches full occupancy, applications collected during this event will not be transferred to or retained for the broader AIM Center Housing waitlist. Applicants who are not selected during this lease-up process may need to reapply for future housing opportunities.

Do I have to be present to receive a ticket?

Yes. Tickets will only be issued to individuals who are physically present. One ticket will be provided per household.

Can someone hold a place in line for me?

No. Each household must be present to receive a ticket, including all household members age 18 and older. Tickets are non-transferable.

What time should I arrive?

Applicants are encouraged to arrive early. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at the start of the event.

Does receiving a ticket guaruntee housing?

No. A ticket allows you to complete a pre-application for the Espero Lease-Up Waitlist. Placement on the waitlist does not guarantee housing.

How long does the application process take?

Processing times may vary depending on volume, but applicants should expect to remain on-site for a period of time while completing and submitting their pre-application.

Can I complete the application for someone else?

No. The head of household and all members of the household 18 years or older must be present to complete and sign the application.

What documents are required?

Applicants must bring a government-issued ID (for all household members age 18 and older), as well as a birth certificate and Social Security card for all household members.

Will background checks be conducted on applicants?

All applicants will be subject to screening, including background checks, in accordance with the requirements of the Chattanooga Housing Authority (CHA) and applicable program guidelines. Screening criteria and eligibility determinations are established by CHA and relevant regulatory requirements and will be applied consistently to all applicants.

How are applicants selected from the waitlist?

Applicants will be processed in accordance with program guidelines, eligibility requirements, and unit availability. 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 Placement on the waitlist does not guarantee selection.

How will I know if I am selected?

Applicants will be contacted using the information provided on their application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure contact information is accurate and up to date.

What happens if I miss a call or a deadline?

Applicants will be given a specified timeframe to respond. Failure to respond within that timeframe may result in removal from the waitlist.

Will the AIM Center be open for other services that day?

No. The Clubhouse will be closed for regular operations to allow staff to focus on the waitlist application process.

Can I bring children with me?

Yes; however, applicants are responsible for supervising children at all times.

Will seating be available?

Limited seating may be available. Applicants should plan accordingly for wait times.

If I am not selected, can I apply again later?

Future housing opportunities will be announced separately, and applicants may apply at that time.

Will my application carry over to other properties?

No. This waitlist is specific to the Espero lease-up and will not transfer to other AIM Center housing opportunities

What if someone becomes disruptive or does not follow instructions?

To ensure a safe and efficient process for all applicants, individuals who are disruptive or do not follow staff instructions may be asked to leave.

Is financial assistance available through AIM Center for the Espero Lease-Up?

No. AIM Center does not have financial assistance available for the Espero Lease-Up. Applicants should be prepared for any required move-in costs, deposits, or other housing-related expenses if selected.