Programs & Services
Our programs are designed to reduce poverty, empower individuals, and foster community resilience in East Chattanooga.
Health & Wellness
Affordable Dental Care in Chattanooga
The Dr. William Roy Mercy Dental Clinic at Hope for the Inner City provides low-cost dental care to individuals and families in the greater Chattanooga area. After a temporary closure due to limited resources and staffing, the clinic is reopening in November 2025 to continue serving our neighbors with quality, affordable dental services in a caring and faith-filled environment.
This community dental clinic began in 1985, founded by Dr. William Roy and Dr. Martin Long. After serving on medical mission trips to Haiti, Dr. Roy felt called to help people in need right here in Chattanooga. His gentle spirit, kind heart, and love for others shaped the clinic’s mission from the very beginning.
In honor of his life and service, the clinic was renamed the Dr. William Roy Mercy Dental Clinic. It continues as part of Hope for the Inner City’s mission to bring hope, healing, and practical support to families in East Chattanooga.
What We Offer:-
Low-cost dental care for adults and families
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Weekly dental clinics starting November 2025
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Volunteer dentists and oral surgeons from the Chattanooga area
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Plans to offer community oral health seminars in 2026
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Possible internship and hands-on training opportunities for dental students in the future
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Thanks to the generosity of the Jack and Charlotte Frost Foundation and the dedicated efforts of Lions Club District 12-O, the Vision Clinic at Hope for the Inner City is a reality. Together, we’re ensuring that quality eye care is available to those who need it most.
Important Information: A small fee may apply for glasses appointments.
How to Schedule an Appointment:
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Call us at 423-698-3178
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Fill out an application.
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We’ll contact you to schedule your appointment.
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Twice a week, we distribute healthy, balanced meals to families in need. These meals are supplemented with fresh produce from our Urban Garden and are accompanied by:
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Recipe Cards: Easy-to-follow recipes featuring distributed ingredients.
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Food Prep Tips: Simple suggestions to maximize flavor and nutrition.
This ensures that families not only have access to food but also the tools to prepare meals that nourish their bodies and support their well-being.
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The Urban Garden is a cornerstone of our efforts to promote sustainable, healthy living. Participants can:
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Learn to grow fresh produce and herbs.
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Gain practical skills in sustainable gardening.
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Harvest and use garden-grown ingredients in their meals.
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Our cooking classes provide participants with practical skills to prepare nutritious and affordable meals for their families. These sessions include: Hands-on instruction in meal preparation. Guidance on balancing meals for better nutrition. Budget-friendly shopping tips. Participants leave equipped with the knowledge and confidence to make healthier choices in the kitchen.
Economic Empowerment
Faith and Finance Program offers a Christ-centered approach to financial stewardship, equipping financially vulnerable adults with the tools to manage money effectively and break cycles of poverty. Through a 12-unit curriculum rooted in biblical teachings, participants gain practical skills in budgeting, debt management, saving, and financial planning. Designed to meet the needs of those facing everyday financial challenges, the program uses interactive group discussions to provide relevant knowledge and foster a supportive learning environment, empowering individuals to achieve lasting stability and live out God’s principles of stewardship.
The Tech Goes Home Program provides 15 hours of hands-on digital skills training to help individuals confidently navigate the online world, access critical resources, and unlock new opportunities for education, employment, and personal growth. Designed to bridge the digital divide, this program empowers participants with practical skills such as job searching, managing finances online, and staying connected through email and video calls. Participants also have the option to purchase a Chromebook at a significantly reduced cost, ensuring they have the tools needed to continue their digital learning journey and achieve long-term stability.
Work Life Program is an 11-unit series that explores God’s design for work and its purpose in our lives, providing participants with the tools to succeed in their professional journeys. Through this faith-based curriculum, individuals learn to set meaningful goals and develop the strategies needed to achieve them. The program also focuses on building essential workplace skills, including effective communication, conflict resolution, and understanding common expectations for employees. By fostering both personal and professional growth, Work Life equips participants to navigate the workplace with confidence and purpose, rooted in God’s plan for their lives.
