CNE is partnering with Legal Aid of East Tennessee and local attorneys to provide free legal assistance to those facing eviction during the COVID-19 crisis. Free legal assistance may also be available for other legal issues. Please call 423-756-6271 to leave a voicemail with your name and a phone number where you can be reached.
If you are looking for other legal resources to navigate your housing situation, please visit:
The CARES Act (Federal stimulus bill) passed on March 27th, 2020. If your loan is a federally-backed mortgage, please read section "Moratorium on Evictions and Foreclosures" within the link provided. For a list of properties believed to be covered in the southern states, please click HERE.
CNE staff are ready to help you navigate your lender's loan delinquency process. For help, contact Carolyn Burke at or call 423-756-6214.
Financial Counseling CNE is providing financial counseling to anyone who needs help in creating a spending plan, prioritizing how to spend cash, what bills get paid, etc. Please contact Ethan Pope at or call 423-756-6256 for help.
Financial Tips
In "Surviving Debt: Expert Advice for Getting out of Financial Trouble," a team of 20 experts from the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) walks you through how to rank debts and expenses.
Renter Resources
CNE has instututed an eviction freeze through June 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We believe this is the compassionate action to take to ensure that our tenants who have lost their jos or suffered other ecomonic hardship during this time have shelter for themselves and family.
However, we encourage CNE tenants to make payment arrangements during this time as the missed rent payments will still need to be paid by July 1, 2020 unless payment arrangements have been previously approved.
Contact Zach Downs at or call at 423-756-6242 for assistance.
Immediate Support
To reach a United Way Community Resource Specialist, dial 2-1-1, 423-265-8000, toll-free 1-866-921-3035, or text your zip code to 898-211 to chat.
If you live in the City of Chattanooga and are seeking support for rental relief, please contact the City of Chattanooga using the form on this site.
Homeowner Resources
CNE Loans
If you hold a loan serviced by CNE, please contact us immediately for payment options. Please call 423-756-6229 or email mvarnell@cneinc.org. If you need to request a loan deferment, click here for the application.
Other Providers
HERE is a helpful guide for asking about mortgage forbearance. The advice within the article encourages you to speak to a housing counselor before talking with your bank. Please contact Ethan Pope at or call 423-756-6256 for help.
Landlord Resources
Your options will vary depending on who owns your mortgage, steps taken by your lender to respond to COVID-19 and how the government, at all levels, is committed to providing resources to individuals who have lost their jobs because of COVID-19. Contact your lender to discuss your options. Here is a helpful guide for asking about mortgage forbearance.
