FAQs

1. Who is eligible for residence at Welcome Home?

Welcome Home creates a community of hope, healing and compassion for those who are facing a serious illness or death and need safe shelter. Many of our residents have been homeless. Veterans who are homeless are a priority. However, sometimes people have a home, but no one to care for them and they need assistance, too.

We thoroughly evaluate all referrals, taking a number of factors into consideration including the individual’s diagnosis, current health status, and suitability for the care we provide. We also review the availability (or lack of availability) of other suitable options. The fees for room and board at Welcome Home are based on a sliding scale depending on their income.

2) How long can a resident stay at Welcome Home?

We have discovered that many individuals have improved physical health after arriving at Welcome Home, having their basic needs met along with emotional support and care. We review a resident’s situation with their hospice provider after 90 days of admission and decide upon a plan of care. Typically, the maximum length of stay at Welcome Home is six months. We work together with each resident on a long-term plan if their health has stabilized. We also continue to follow former residents who move to permanent housing with case management support for at least a year, and longer is they wish.

3) How do you care for patients?

Our specially trained staff and volunteers provide “family-style” support and care. We provide shelter, meals, laundry service, assistance with daily needs, and companionship. We partner with local hospice agencies to provide professional medical care.

4) Is Welcome Home a religious organization?

We believe that everyone has a place at the table; those with or without shelter, those in need, volunteers, widows, couples, young and old regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability or military status.

Because we believe that dying is very sacred and holy ground, we practice both mindfulness and prayer, honoring all of our residents and volunteers.

5. Where do you get your funding?

We are grateful to the many individuals, faith communities, local businesses, foundations, and other organizations who support Welcome Home with their generous contributions and grants. Residents pay for room and board based on a sliding scale. We are grateful to the two major hospitals in our area who support us in various ways, CHI Memorial and Erlanger.

Please view our most current 990 here. Interested in viewing our Privacy Policy? Please visit here. Please contact us at (423)486-4001 or e-mail us at info@welcomehomeofchattanooga.org if you have any questions or need further information.

6. How can I become a volunteer?

We are only successful with the help of volunteers of all types and of all skills. We welcome you. We are happy to train volunteers to be companions to our residents, although this has been limited during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have a Dinner Club where volunteers may sign up to bring dinner for our residents (typically enough to feed 3-5 people). We host occasional outdoor work days on our property and welcome people with a whole host of skills.

Michelle Goble, Director of Happiness, coordinates our volunteers. She can be reached at michelle@welcomehomeofchattanooga.org or (423) 355-5842.