Assistance Agencies Help Residents of Superior Creek Lodge

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF-TV) – Chattanooga’s resources get stretched to the limit after the closure of Superior Creek Lodge.
The extended stay residence in East Ridge has had its problems over the years.
But now, hundreds of people need to find housing quickly.

PASTOR KEN SAUER, EAST RIDGE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH "These people don’t have money…they’re poor…nothing wrong with being poor ..that’s not a crime. They’re wonderful people, they’re humble people, they’re not ..they aren’t mean or angry..they aren’t fighting ..they aren’t arguing…they’re just crying and sad ..and and and hurt."

There was little warning for the 1500 or so residents of Superior Creek Lodge. East Ridge officials said it was a health hazard and closed down all three units of the extended-stay motel. Most didn’t even have time to bring the food from their apartments. Many ended up in motels over the weekend, but the vouchers have expired.

PASTOR SAUER "We’ve got 1500 to 2000 refugees in East Ridge and in Chattanooga in hotels that are being sent out of the hotels today."

The Salvation Army arranged for the major assistance groups..including churches, United way and Metropolitan ministries to gather at East Ridge United Methodist Church to talk with the displaced residents.

KIMBERLY GEORGE, THE SALVATION ARMY "The needs vary and that’s what we’re doing today is trying to determine what their needs are..and who can fulfill each need."
ANNA KATHARINE HORNE, METROPOLITAN MINISTRIES "We don’t have enough affordable housing in this city. People were treating Superior Creek Lodge..and they’re treating several other places that are like Superior Creek Lodge as if they’re permanent housing ..public housing units..and they’re not."

Anyone with property to rent can call 211 for information.

PASTOR SAUER "The greatest challenge for these folks is that they’re marginalized. They are the people that are ignored…the people that aren’t wanted."

Pastor Ken Sauer posed a challenge–asking that every church in the city adopt one Superior Creek Lodge family for a year.
He believes that would get most of them back on their feet.