Neighborhood Residents Concerned Over Chattanooga’s Plan For 24/7 Homeless Shelter

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The Tennessee Conservative Staff –

A transit center in downtown Chattanooga is set to be converted into a low-barrier homeless shelter. 

However, residents who live near the area have reservations about the plan. 

“At this point, there’s not a lot of trust or faith in our city to do the right thing,” said Merri Mai Williamson, a resident who lives less than a mile from the location where the city is planning to create the new space for its homeless residents. 

As a part of the $30-million ARPA package approved by the city council last year, Mayor Tim Kelly said he would allocate $2.8 million for the creation of a homeless shelter. 

The city is now looking to create a 24/7 shelter in the transit center on East 12th Street to provide those experiencing homelessness with housing services. 

Williamson told NewsChannel 9 that she was speaking for the entire neighborhood when she said they would fight against this new plan.

“Going out into the community and meeting the homeless, where they are serving them where they are, is the best solution for giving them hope,” Williamson said. 

If the plan is approved, the new shelter will provide housing for around 164 people. 

Williamson argued that this could make the area unsafe for current residents.

‘They’re not contained just at this location, or the sanctioned encampment, or at any other homeless service provider. It bleeds into our neighborhood,” Williamson said. 

However, the city says the shelter is something that Chattanooga has been lacking for a while.  

“It will provide a safe place for people to go and to get them off the streets. It will help with service providers to be able to locate individuals that are experiencing homelessness, to provide them with housing services,” said Casey Tinker, Director of Homeless Services.

Tinker listened to resident’s concerns but assured them that there will be regulations put into place to help avoid issues. The department also wants to see a constant security presence, as well as therapists and counselors available to work with those experiencing homelessness.

“You know, no drug use in or around the building, no violent conduct. If you misbehave, you will be asked to leave,” said Tinker. 

Williamson said she still is not convinced. 

“We were told that yes, there was going to be a police presence. And yes, there was going to be this and that. None of that has made a difference at all,” Williamson said.