Norfolk Southern Railroad to Level Homeless "Tent City"

A local site that has been home to many is being leveled.

"Tent City" is a one acre piece of property along the Norfolk Southern Railroad line.

Many homeless people have set up camp there, but that's about to change.

Pastor Barry Kidwell of Forrest Ave. United Methodist Church says, "Jesus didn't ask people how they got in the condition they were in. He just served as a way for people to get out of the condition they were in."

Pastor Kidwell and several other members of the community have spent the last few days reaching out to another community.

"Tent City" resident Richard Waldrep says, "Knew it was gonna happen sooner or later."

Kidwell is helping those who live in "Tent City" to find another place to stay.

The one acre piece of property has been a sort of camping grounds for many homeless in Chattanooga.

Citing safety issues and liability concerns Norfolk Southern Railroad has made the choice to level "Tent City."

The property sits along the Norfolk Southern line and crews have reported incidents of panhandleing and people climbing in and around the train cars.

They say someone could really get hurt and the best way to prevent that is to eliminate the problem.

But for the people who live here it's a bitter pill to swallow.

Waldrep says, "We were like a family here. Now we're getting all split up."

Waldrep is one of the lucky ones.

About a month ago he started working to find other housing and he should be living in a housing project by the end of the week.

Brother Jon Rector with Union Gospel Mission says everyone out here has an option.

Rector says, "It depends on what rules they want to follow. If they don't want to follow anybody's rules but their own, then they find another little piece of land where nobody will bother you and you set up camp again."

Rector says he understands why Norfolk Southern had to make the tough choice.

But he says, you can never simply forget those in need.

Rector says, "They're always gonna be people who need our help. Some may deserve it more than others. But again, who are we to decide..."

Demolition of "Tent City" is set to begin Tuesday morning at 7:am