Office of Family Empowerment: ofeinfo@chattanooga.gov

Office: 423-643-6434

Formerly known as Chattanooga Human Services, we have a new name and a new mission! The mission of the Office of Family Empowerment is to change the lives of low- to-moderate income individuals and families in Hamilton County by collaborating with internal and external partners to provide the services and connections necessary to achieve self-sufficiency.

While our focus has shifted to case management, we still offer some emergency assistance (with rent, mortgage, or water) for those experiencing a crisis by appointment only. Contact our office to learn more about emergency assistance and check out the programs we offer by clicking on the links below!

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OFE in your COMMUNITY 

Staff at the Office of Family Empowerment (OFE) are taking their talents on the road and into the community centers! Representatives are setting up at selected community centers once a month to help residents with all services they provide. Stop by to talk with a representative about your case or apply for assistance. See schedule below: 

Avondale Community Center - Every 2nd Thursday 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Carver Community Center - Every 3rd Thursday 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm

East Lake Community Center - Every 3rd Tuesday 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Glenwood Community Center - Every 1st Tuesday 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Ramsey Community Center - Every 1st Thursday 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm

South Chattanooga Community Center - Every 2nd Tuesday 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm

For your convenience, all completed energy assistance applications, along with supporting documents, can be emailed to LIHEAP@chattanooga.gov. Please note that all emailed applications are unsecured and you should always use your discretion when sending personal information online. You may also email LIHEAP@chattanooga.gov to request that an application be sent to you via email or postal mail or to ask for assistance with your application.

If further assistance is needed, call our office and leave a message at (423) 643-6434 and your call will be returned within 24 hours. It is our goal to provide you with information and resources as quickly as possible.

Follow us on Facebook for updates: Click here for more information!

Before submitting an application, please note that the last 30 days of income is calculated when applying for assistance. Therefore, if you lost your job last week, you may not meet income eligibility. You must provide documentation of income loss (i.e. employer separation letter).

We understand that the COVID-19 pandemic will not only affect the health of Hamilton County residents but will also cause great financial loss for many in our community. The Office of Family Empowerment is here to help qualified Hamilton County residents maintain financial stability as much as possible. We are here to help!

Be proactive and apply for assistance TODAY!

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Family Support Programs

The Office of Family Empowerment offers different levels of case management. If you are interested in reaching the goal of self-sufficiency, call our office at (423) 643-6434.

Self-Sufficiency Case Management: This is a goal-based program that provides life skills training, coaching, and financial support to low- to moderate-income residents in Hamilton County. Participants seeking to obtain the skills and knowledge to help their families become self-sufficient are provided with community resources, educational opportunities, individual support, and access to valuable workshops and training opportunities. Commitment is six months to one year.

We also offer the Family Empowerment Program. This is an intensive, two-year case management program that uses evidence-based practices to support participants with wraparound services as they work towards their goals. Participants in this program are paired with a mentor, called a Family Coach, who encourages them on their journey through the program. Participants are also required to participate in a variety of classes and workshops, including classes on financial literacy, leadership and advocacy, energy efficiency, tech literacy, and more!

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program

2022-2023 LIHEAP APPLICATION 

2022-2023 LIHEAP REQUIREMENTS 

The Office of Family Empowerment is home to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for Hamilton County, which provides assistance for income-eligible families to help in meeting rising home energy costs. Assistance may be received only once per program year and is applied directly to the applicant's account with the energy provider.

Eligibility

Each program requires that the household meets established income requirements. The current LIHEAP program year runs October 1 - September 30. You can apply for your one-time benefit one of two ways: through Regular LIHEAP or Crisis LIHEAP.

Regular LIHEAP: provides assistance to any household in Hamilton County that has an active utility account (for longer than 28 days).

You can print off the application and attach all requirements to it and turn it in to our office one of many ways:

MAIL IN/ DROP IT OFF:                       FAX:                                 EMAIL:

5715 Uptain Rd. Suite 100                 423-643-6439      liheap@chattanooga.gov

Chattanooga TN 37411

Once you apply, you will receive a letter in the mail within 4-6 weeks stating if you were approved, denied or if your application is pending. If approved, a credit will be applied directly to your account.