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Thursday, November 12, 2026Nov 12

‘We didn’t have a place to go’: Neediest Cases helps struggling family find home again

Staff photo by C.B. Schmelter / The United Way's John P. Guerry Hub for Social Innovation is seen downtown on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019 in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Staff photo by C.B. Schmelter / The United Way's John P. Guerry Hub for Social Innovation is seen downtown on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019 in Chattanooga, Tenn. Staff photo by C.B. Schmelter / The United Way's John P. Guerry Hub for Social Innovation is seen downtown on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019 in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Tiara Johnson of Chattanooga has been homeless before, as a single mother, but worked her way back to stability.

When she was married with two kids and a baby on the way, it became apparent that the whole family could become homeless if they did not find new housing. The Neediest Cases Fund helped the family with a one-time donation and helped them get back on their feet.

Johnson’s children are Sundi, age 9; Lovely, age 2; and nine-month-old Bella.

“Sundi, my oldest, she has been through it all with me, for everything. From being homeless to finding stability, to graduating college. She is also autistic and has ADHD. That is sometimes a challenge, but we are pushing through,” Johnson said.

While Johnson and her daughter were living in the shelter, Johnson was able to go back to school to start a career in nursing.