Hope for the Inner City

03/31/2026

We’re excited to support meaningful work happening right here in Chattanooga.

The Bethlehem Center, in partnership with Hope for the Inner City and the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga, has been awarded $68,783 to advance Neighbor to Neighbor: A Ministry of Health and Hope.

This collaborative effort is focused on addressing food insecurity, chronic disease, and barriers to care in under-resourced communities—bringing practical support, improved access, and real hope to neighbors who need it most.

Memorial Hospital has awarded nearly $220,000 in philanthropic grants to local nonprofit organizations. "The grants, part of the CommonSpirit Health Community Health Improvement Grants program, are specifically designed to address pressing health disparities and significantly enhance the health and....

02/07/2026

🌶️ Today! Chili Cookoff | Saturday, Feb 7 | 2–4 PM 🌶️

Today’s the day. Join us for the Be the Change Youth Initiative Chili Cookoff, proudly hosted by Hope for the Inner City.

We’re gathering in fellowship to support youth leadership and stand alongside young people who are learning to serve and care for their community.

✔ Community & fellowship
✔ Youth leadership
✔ Encouraging the next generation
✔ Chili (because joy is still allowed)

👋 Mayor Tim Kelly will be joining us

Come hungry, come encouraged, and spend the afternoon with a community choosing to show up for one another.

02/05/2026

🌶️ This Saturday! Chili Cookoff | Feb 7 | 2–4 PM 🌶️

We’re just a few days out from the Be the Change Youth Initiative Chili Cookoff, proudly hosted by Hope for the Inner City.

Enter a team, cheer on the cooks, enjoy music, and support youth-led efforts to fight food insecurity.

👥 $20 team entry
📧 To enter or sponsor: contact Deidre at [email protected]

02/02/2026

🌶️ Chili Cookoff | Saturday, Feb 7 | 2–4 PM 🌶️

Hope for the Inner City is proud to host the Be the Change Youth Initiative Chili Cookoff.

Think you can bring the heat? Enter a team, enjoy music, vote for your favorites, and compete for prizes up to $150.

👋 Mayor Tim Kelly will be joining us in support of this youth-led community event.

💛 Proceeds support youth food insecurity projects, Hamilton County school lunch debt, and the HFIC Community Garden.

👥 $20 team entry
📧 To enter or sponsor: contact Deidre at [email protected]

Come hungry. Leave happy. Do some good.

12/01/2025

🎄 Hope for the Inner City is kicking off Ms. Charlise’s Christmas Store! 🎁

Every year, our community shows up in the most generous ways, and this season we’re inviting you to help make Christmas brighter for children and teens in East Chattanooga.

We’re collecting new, unwrapped gifts that will go directly to families who could use a little extra support this holiday season. Your kindness brings joy, dignity, and a whole lot of smiles.

What’s Needed:
• Toys
• Books
• Clothing
• Age-appropriate gifts for kids and teens

Want to make giving even easier? Click here to be taken to our Amazon Store. https://tinyurl.com/2j74b2sk

Let’s come together and make this Christmas unforgettable for our neighbors. 💛