New shelter needs appropriate services
I heartily approve of Chattanooga donating the Airport Inn to operate as a supportive shelter. However, without frequent CARTA service, onsite security, a nearby grocery store, bank, school buses, medical and dental offices, counseling, onsite free laundromat, daycare, free Wi-Fi, and a drop-off station for donated food, vegetables, baby supplies, clothing, toys and other items, some residents might loiter near adjacent businesses or Silverdale Baptist Academy. That will create a public outcry no mayor or county commissioner wants to hear.
Where will families live once they transition and how will they afford rent, transportation, etc.? Last I heard Chattanooga and the county have severe affordable housing shortages. The new location needs to have the same essential services nearby. Does Chattanooga or the county have businesses lined up that will hire and train these folks?
When I owned a manufacturing business, we hired prisoners through work-release. Many stayed with the company upon release. However, I had zero success with rehab prisoners. I hope special attention is paid to potential residents with addictions. Many addicted to tobacco would prefer to be homeless if they cannot smoke in their rooms. Setting aside an area for smokers might be a hard sell, but is worth considering.
Jack Zollinger