The disaster that befell the former occupants of Superior Creek Lodge has not gone away. Many of those 1,500 are back on their way to stability, thanks to the heroic efforts of Metropolitan Ministries and other agencies.
Now we read about another such motel shut-down and 900 units in two of the oldest housing projects are in a dire state of disrepair, with no money in the budget.
Met-Min helps people prevent homelessness by finding long-term housing. Throughout the very process of addressing the needs of the Superior Creek residents, Met-Min volunteers and staff have never stopped welcoming the men, women and children showing up at the door on McCallie Avenue.
The spate of support in the form of energy, time, money and other resources from Met-Min's volunteers, staff, board and stakeholders has been gratifying. The reality, though, is that we cannot rely on these emergency, last-ditch efforts.
The Superior Creek Lodge story may soon disappear from the news. Our city leaders and citizens must address the urgent demand for more acceptable and affordable housing. We must establish -- and enforce -- codes to ensure that those buildings remain compliant and safe. We cannot stand by and allow them to deteriorate until more mass evictions are necessary.
Emily Thayer Campbell