Image Credit: Canva
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
Reports of rising crime led Chattanooga officials to clear a homeless encampment located near Signal Mountain Road.
The encampment was situated in a wooded area beside train tracks that run behind the former Food City grocery store building.
According to city spokesperson Eric Holl, the decision was made after “a request from various neighbors in the community due to an uptick in crime happening in their neighborhood.”
Officials were unable to provide specific information regarding the increased crime.
Holl also said several complaints had been received from the railroad regarding individuals being either on the tracks or near them.
Reverend Jon Rector, who works with the Union Gospel Mission to serve the homeless in the Chattanooga area, said about 20 people were living in the camp at one time. According to Holl, there were eight currently.
A six-week notice was given to individuals before the camp was cleared. Housing assistance was offered to all individuals. Only one accepted but later turned down those services.
No individuals were seen at the camp towards the end of last week, although a number of tents could be seen farther in the woods, along with personal belongings such as clothing, furniture, and carts.
