Inga Readus barely left her apartment when she lived at College Hill Courts earlier this year for fear of her safety after experiencing a string of bad events.
Shortly before Christmas in 2017 and right after she had surgery, Readus’ car was stolen from her parking spot at the Chattanooga Housing Authority complex. Then, earlier this summer, a woman was shot after a “drug deal gone wrong” right in front of Readus’ door, she said.
“I rarely came outside unless it was to go to work,” the 49-year-old said. “After the shooting, I just didn’t feel comfortable.”
Readus decided it was time to move out, but with a car payment, rent and insurance, it was going to be difficult to save enough money to pay her first month’s rent in another apartment. Thanks to a tip from her employer at the time, the Partnership for Families, Children and Adults, Readus received help from the Times Free Press Neediest Cases Fund.
Chattanooga Times Publisher Adolph Ochs started the Neediest Cases Fund in 1914 to help local people in financial need with one-time donations intended to help people get back on their feet. The charity provides the opportunity for readers to support their neighbors through financial donations during the holiday season. The United Way of Greater Chattanooga manages the fund, screens recipients and issues money.