CNE Homes was created to bridge the housing gap

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise, or CNE Homes, is on a mission to make homeownership more attainable for working families by building affordable, move-in-ready modular homes.

The dream of homeownership is slipping further out of reach for many in Chattanooga, with the median home price now at $340,000.

However, Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise is taking a bold step to address this issue with the launch of CNE Homes.

CNE Homes aims to build affordable, move-in-ready modular homes for working families by utilizing innovative building methods to keep costs down—all without relying on government funding.

The goal is clear: to make homeownership more accessible for Chattanooga’s working families.

“We have a goal of building homes that families that make $85,000 a year and are qualified to purchase a home can buy without a subsidy.

That is our four-person family area median income,” explained Jenny Hill, CNE Homes Project Manager.

The initiative plans to collaborate with local groups and builders to strategically place these homes in neighborhoods that already have essential amenities like schools and job opportunities.

Andrea Hardaway, Interim Chair of the CNE Board, expressed her excitement about the project, emphasizing its eco-friendly approach.

“There is a new way. This is a new way to build. I’m excited about it, especially just from the eco-friendly perspective. There’s very minimal waste with these prototypes. They go up really quickly, and I’m excited that they’re gonna have the first one in the ground pretty soon,” Hardaway elaborated.

In addition to serving Chattanooga, CNE Homes has its sights set on expanding into North Georgia by its fourth or fifth year, aiming to help even more families achieve the dream of owning a home.

Connie Brewer of the Greater Chattanooga Realtor Association highlighted the broader vision of the project.

“It doesn’t matter the size of your house or the cost of the house if you can afford to get a good, affordable, quality house and a safe place to live—that’s what it’s about. Homeownership,” Brewer stated.

For many in the community, the concern is not development itself but rather the scale and density of certain proposals.

The next 60 days will be crucial in determining whether a compromise can be reached to satisfy both developers and residents.

CNE Homes is determined to make homeownership a reality for more families in Chattanooga, one modular home at a time.