Henderson City arranges temporary shelter after 121 Motel declared unsafe; 40 families displaced
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Summary
City officials said the 121 Motel on Parham Road was declared unsafe May 6, 2024, displacing 40 families. Henderson City coordinated with county, state and community partners to move families to the old Eaton Johnson School while officials stressed need for permanent housing.
Henderson City officials announced May 6 that the 121 Motel on Parham Road had been deemed unsafe for habitation and would close that day, displacing 40 families.
City Manager Edward T. Blackmon told the council that the city, county, state agencies and community organizations had arranged temporary shelter for all 40 families at the old Eaton Johnson School. He said the Department of Health and Human Services, the North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness, the Red Cross and the Vance County School System were involved in moving families and ensuring basic needs were met.
Mayor Melissa Elliott expressed appreciation for the community response and the coordination among agencies. Council discussion emphasized providing professional help to families, allocating resources efficiently and the broader need for more permanent housing units to prevent similar crises. Officials also raised concerns about the dangers posed by abandoned and condemned buildings.
No formal vote or ordinance was taken at the meeting; the report to the council was informational and focused on emergency rehousing and a call for long-term housing solutions.
The council moved into a closed session later in the meeting under attorney–client privilege and then returned to open session before adjourning at 11:13 a.m.