It’s the classic conundrum of a short-term Band-Aid versus a long-term solution. In the case of those who find themselves homeless, it’s the difference between a place to sleep at night and rehabilitation programs. It’s “fixing” versus preparing.
So what’s a community to do?
Pastors, social service workers and business owners gathered in Collegedale with the East Hamilton Ministerial Association to try to answer that question. Homelessness in Hamilton County is a solvable issue, said Ooltewah United Methodist Church’s Eric Light, but it takes a concerted effort. And it’s an issue the group of 20 or so community members is dedicated to fixing.
“We’re coming together here to explore solutions to this need,” he said. “We’re going to get it done with small steps and the help of others.”
Around the table, representatives shared their thoughts about the homelessness they see in the area. Beyond someone standing on a corner with a cardboard sign, homelessness can affect anyone, and the public may never see it, said Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition Executive Director Steven Wright.