As the eviction deadline approaches, more than 25 organizations have mobilized to help the residents of the Westside Inn find alternative housing.
The United Way of Greater Kingsport confirmed that they’re working as part of Kingsport’s Homeless Coalition and alongside Kingsport Police’s Homeless Outreach coordinator to make contact with and fill the needs of the motel’s long-term guests.
“As of April 1, contact has been attempted with every resident of Westside Inn, and over seventy-five individuals have been initially assessed and alternative arrangements have been made for families with children. Individuals who choose to utilize the resources provided are being helped on a case-by-case basis, with shelters, short-term housing, and family reunification as options, along with partner agencies from the Kingsport
Homeless Coalition.”STEFANIE WEAKLEY, COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR, UNITED WAY OF GREATER KINGSPORT
A spokesperson for the City of Kingsport told News Channel 11 that the city had made contact with about 80 people at the motel, though residents in some rooms were not receptive to assistance.
Family Promise of Greater Kingsport is among the organizations that sprung into action after news of the motel’s impending demolition went public.
“We kind of discussed it here as soon as it had came out into the news that that’s what was going to occur,” said Case Manager Erika Qualls. “Then we had a community zoom for agencies that do provide the same scope of services that we provide.”
Qualls told News Channel 11 that she is taking referrals to help find shelter for any families at the motel. So far, she is working with only one, but Qualls said finding apartments or long-term hotels at a comparable price point to Westside is difficult, even for one family.
“One and two bedrooms here outside of Westside. Yeah, you’re looking at $900 to $1,200 or more,” Qualls said.
Residents Qualls spoke with were paying between 600 and 800 dollars each month with utilities included.
Many residents, like Diane Carberry, are looking to move to another extended stay hotel, like Americourt Hotel. Even that, Qualls says, will run about $1,000 per month.
For residents, the impending move doesn’t just mean losing a place to live, but a longtime community with neighbors and friends.