Creating Homes Initiative
Forecasted
Creating Homes Initiative supports Tennessee communities in developing safe, affordable, permanent housing for people with mental illness or substance use disorders, expanding housing options across the state.
Funder: Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (application deadline)
Funding Amounts: About $15 million was offered across three Creating Homes Initiative programs in a 2023 funding round
Summary: The initiative helps Tennessee communities develop safe, affordable, permanent housing for people with mental illness or substance use disorders.
Key Information: Projects focus on housing for Tennesseans with behavioral health challenges.
Description
The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services runs the Creating Homes Initiative (CHI) to expand safe, affordable, quality, permanent housing for people with mental illness, substance use disorders, or co-occurring disorders. CHI partners with local agencies, community task forces, and Continuums of Care to identify housing needs and develop options ranging from supervised living facilities to independent rentals and home ownership with supports.
Regional Housing Facilitators help communities develop projects and seek funding. CHI 2.0 focuses on housing for people with opioid use or other substance use disorders; CHI 3.0 expands options for people leaving jail or prison. Peer Housing Specialists connect stakeholders, document local housing resources, and support community education.
