CHATT Foundation Honors Lives Lost to Homelessness

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)-More than 60 people experiencing homelessness have died in the Chattanooga area this year. On Saturday, the CHATT Foundation gathered with community members to honor their lives and remind the public that each person was known, loved, and mattered.

The annual memorial service brought together advocates, staff, and neighbors to remember those who passed away. As names were read aloud, a bell rang after each one—marking a moment of dignity and reflection for lives often overlooked.

Barren King, CEO of the CHATT Foundation, said the service has been held for more than 15 years and continues to deeply impact those who attend.

“The reaction from people who come is very similar to what you would expect at anybody else’s memorial service,” King said. “The people who passed away were known—this is a community. We’re going to be reading the names of three individuals who worked for our organization and experienced homelessness from time to time, so our staff and community members here today are going to be emotionally impacted.”

For many in attendance, the memorial was a time of mourning and reflection, underscoring that homelessness is not just a statistic but a shared human responsibility.

King also emphasized the increased risks faced by people living outdoors during the colder months.

“Many of the people we know who pass away on the streets do so during the winter months,” he said. “We desperately need donations—clothing, blankets, socks, underwear—anything we can provide to the people we serve. Sometimes it truly is a matter of life and death.”