photo by Wes Schultz
Two more buildings at Superior Creek Lodge were condemned by East Ridge officials on Thursday.
The other two buildings were condemned on Wednesday.
Over 300 families at the extended stay are now looking for new homes.
Representatives of 11 Chattanooga-based social service agencies and representatives of the city of Chattanooga and Hamilton County met at The Salvation Army on Thursday afternoon.
Officials of the agencies said they are working together to provide an immediate safety net for the nearly 1,500 individuals. At least two East Ridge churches will provide shelter for up to 50 families with children. The United Way of Greater Chattanooga 211 referral center will serve as the primary information and referral for assistance.
The group of concerned agencies is exploring a wide range of possibilities in helping the newly homeless, it was stated.
There will be a Joint Information Center open in East Ridge on Monday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the East Ridge United Methodist Church located at 1601 Prater Road.
Metropolitan Ministries has secured a grant from the Community Foundation for some local hotel stays and is working with the Salvation Army and the city of East Ridge to identify hotels with availability. Together they are trying to find 50 rooms.
For residents in need, the best information number is 211.
The extended stay has long been a trouble spot in East Ridge with a host of law enforcement calls.
An effort was made earlier in Criminal Court to have the extended stay closed as a public nuisance. However, Criminal Court Judge Rebecca Stern denied the motion after Superior Creek management pledged some improvements.
photo by Wes Schultz