Our Mission
We engage, invest in, and empower East Chattanooga residents by reducing poverty and fostering lasting economic stability through Christ-centered service.
Our Purpose
Guided by faith, we address immediate needs while creating pathways for long-term success, building a stronger, more unified East Chattanooga.
Our Vision
To see families and individuals thrive in East Chattanooga, experiencing transformation in their lives and communities.
1972
Inner City Mission:
A group of Covenant College students, including Randy Nabors, began a Bible study at the Mitchell Street YMCA. This grassroots effort evolved into a street ministry and eventually formed Inner City Mission, Inc.
1976
Randy Nabors Returns:
After completing seminary, Randy Nabors returned to Chattanooga to serve as Director of Inner City Mission. He also began pastoring at New City Fellowship, further expanding the ministry's reach and impact.
1981
Leadership Transition:
Al Chapman became the Director of Inner City Mission, continuing its mission to serve Chattanooga’s inner city through faith-based outreach.
1987
Hope for Chattanooga:
The creation of Hope for Chattanooga marked a new chapter, focusing on practical solutions to urban challenges. The ministry introduced Urban Mission Teams, which built and renovated homes in partnership with the City of Chattanooga, combining faith with action to address housing instability.
2007
A New Beginning:
Financial hardships led to the merger of Inner City Ministries and Hope for Chattanooga, facilitated by Randy Nabors. The union formed Hope for the Inner City, Inc., a stronger organization dedicated to empowering East Chattanooga residents through Christ-centered programs.
2020
A Fresh Vision:
In 2020, Hope for the Inner City relaunched its ministries with a renewed commitment to serving the community as an empowerment ministry. Under the leadership of Executive Director Anthony Watkins, the organization continues to build on its legacy of faith, compassion, and transformative action in East Chattanooga.
About
Our story
Our Partners:
Transforming Communities Together
At Hope for the Inner City, we believe in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful and lasting change. Our partners—local churches, schools, businesses, nonprofits, and individual supporters—are vital to the success of our mission. By working together, we combine resources, expertise, and passion to empower individuals and families in East Chattanooga to overcome barriers and build brighter futures.
If you or your organization would like to partner with us to bring hope and renewal to our community, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can make an even greater impact.
Through these partnerships, we:
Extend Our Reach: Together, we can serve more individuals and families, ensuring no one is left behind.
Strengthen Programs: Our partners bring valuable skills, funding, and support that enhance the quality and impact of our initiatives.
Build a Supportive Network: By uniting efforts, we create a stronger, more connected community where individuals can access the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.