Food Stamp Frenzy

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Joann Hester, a resident, tells us, "I said where’s the cars, are they closed."

Hester isn’t the only one thinking the government building that provides food stamps in Hamilton County is closed.

Kelly Randolph, a resident says, "I just came to show proof of pregnancy and I didn’t know they moved."

Eliana Gemelus, another resident, adds, "I didn’t know that."

The Department of Human Services moved from Martin Luther King Boulevard to the Eastgate Center on Brainerd Road.

Residents tell us they didn’t receive a letter indicating there was a major change in location.

Randolph says, "I didn’t receive any kind of information or anything."

Gemelus adds, "I wish I would have received a letter or something that says that they moved, so I didn’t have to come all the way over here."

On average, more than 58,000 people in Hamilton County are enrolled in the food stamp program each month.

State workers tell us that’s just too many people to mail.

However, they did post signs for months and claim they told people about the changes over the phone.

Hester says, "We’re wasting gas ya know."

Residents tell us they’re just glad they weren’t up against a deadline, and could receive the benefits they applied for.

The Department of Human Services office also helps people with Medicad and Tenncare.

State workers tell us they moved to a different location last month.