The Community and Economic Development Department

Sheriff’s Justice & Mental Health Initiative - FUSE

The Community and Economic Development Department is currently managing a “frequent user” initiative designed to reduce the number of people with mental illness in the Hamilton County Jail and Silverdale Correctional Facility. Sheriff Hammond launched the initiative in January 2017. The frequent user project is part of the Sheriff’s Office Justice and Mental Health initiative.

(Photo by Robin Rudd, Chattanooga Times Free Press Story).

Summit Knobs Equestrian Trails

Hamilton County was awarded a $460,000 grant from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation to develop 10 miles of trails, more parking, and waterless restrooms in Enterprise South Nature Park. Hamilton County and the City of Chattanooga equally shared in matching funds totaling $230,000. Read more about the trail (new tab).

Freight Rail Network Improvements

Hamilton County has applied for a $5.6 million in funding from the United States Department of Transportation Federal Rail Administration to provide for the crucial expansion of the railways to handle the potential increase in volume from local manufactures. The railroad capacity improvements will cost $14.3 million. More on the Freight Rail

Homemaker Services

Homemaker Services are provided to Hamilton County adults who have been referred by Adult Protective Services, and is funded through a State of Tennessee DHS Social Services Block Grant. The client receives a one-hour weekly home visit by a qualified Homemaker, who may assist with daily living activities such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, mail, grocery shopping, or doctor visits. Currently around 85 Hamilton County residents are receiving services with current funding levels. If you know someone who may need these services, please contact Partnership for Families, Children and Adults Elder Services at 423-755-2870 to learn more.

Adult Daycare Services

Adult daycare services are provided to Hamilton County residents, ages 18 and over, funded by a State of Tennessee DHS Social Services Block Grant. The program offers supervised care and activities on weekdays at Signal Centers Adult Center, for those adults with disabilities who cannot stay alone. This program assists with Medicaid costs by reducing the need for full-time institutional care. Hamilton County’s program can serve 18 clients with current funding levels. If you know of someone who may need these services, please contact Signal Centers Adult Services at 423-698-8528.

In School Mentoring and Positive Reinforcement Program

The Sheriff’s Office Division of Student Resource Officers working with On Point, Inc., a 501c3, administers this program to (4) four Hamilton County schools: Tyner Academy, Tyner Middle School, Central High School and Brown Middle School. The program will provide: Small group mentoring to 450 students, youth development presentations for 1600 students, 40 mentors with training and background checks, and 6 experiential learning events.