Give today to help light the way for foster children/youth in need.

Give today to help light the way for foster children/youth in need. image

Who Are We?

Our mission is to provide rest and safety for children and teens in foster care as they wait for a permanent placement. Our vision is to see children encounter the love of Jesus through their time at the Haven and make it so that no child has to wait in an uncomfortable space before a foster home is found.

Right now, there simply aren’t enough foster homes in our region to give every child a safe and loving place to go the moment they need it most. When a child is removed from their home because of neglect or abuse, the search for a suitable foster home or residential placement can take days—or even weeks. In the meantime, these children often wait in a government office or are shuffled from one temporary home to another. Instead of comfort, stability, and reassurance, they experience more uncertainty and fear at a time when their little hearts are already broken.

This is why The Haven exists—to step into that gap with compassion, stability, and the love of Christ. Here, children will find a warm bed, a caring presence, and the reassurance that they are not forgotten. The Haven will be a place of safety and hope while the right long-term placement is found, reminding every child who walks through our doors that they are deeply loved and never alone.

What Are People Saying?

“The government makes a poor parent.” - Department of Children’s Services Commissioner, Marjorie Quinn

“The government does transactions well, but is not good at building relationships.” - Department of Human Services Assistant Commissioner, Gary Wilson.

“The more safe, loving, and well-supported foster homes there are, the better the outcomes for kids.” Channel 10 News of of Knoxville

A Belmont University study stated, “The single biggest difference maker for young people transitioning out of foster care is the presence of one meaningful adult relationship.”

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to take care for orphans and the widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” James 1:27

“Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:10

“Rise during the night and cry out. Pour out your hearts like water to the Lord. Lift up your hands to him in prayer, pleading for your children, for in every street they are faint with hunger.” Lamentations 2:19

What Do Statistics Say?

In the state of Tennessee, there are currently 8,600 children in the custody of the Department of Children’s Services. There are currently only 4,700 foster homes in the state of Tennessee. One of the highest needs of the department is for foster homes that are willing to accept teenage placements. Tennessee ranks 10th for the highest number of foster care entry rates in the country. For every 1,000 children, 3.2 are placed in foster care compared to the national average of 2.4. The most common removal of children is due to drug exposure, followed closely by lack of supervision.

43% of children taken into custody are teenagers, 30% are ages 5-12, and 27% are under the age of 4. During their time in foster care, 60% of children are placed and move in 3 or more homes. 854 young people aged out of foster without ever being adopted or reunified. The department is currently struggling to find placement for youth ages 13 and up and sibling sets of 2 or more.

Are Their Other Ways to Donate?

  • Mail to:
    • The Haven House for Children
    • 1831 Hickory Valley Rd.
    • Chattanooga, TN 37421
  • Visit https://ridgedalebaptist.churchcenter.com/giving . Enter the amount you wish to donate, then select “The Haven - Foster Care House” from the dropdown menu.
  • Use one the 2 Give boxes at Ridgedale Baptist Church. Put your donation in a Haven envelope and drop it in the box.