On April 22^nd, an awning fell at 121 Motel in Henderson and once on site, inspectors found multiple health violations and determined the hotel to be unsafe. The hotel manager was instructed to immediately inform approximately 150 people, including 72 children they would need to find another place to live. On Friday, city, county and state leaders learned that communication had not happened and immediately began working on standing up a shelter for the displaced residents to move to more stable and safer housing.  

The shelter will be ready for displaced residents on Tuesday, May 7^th with power remaining on at 121 Motel through Noon Tuesday to allow people to have ample time to gather their belongings. Transportation will be provided to residents to the shelter.  

The community is now coming together to make sure these families are taken care of.  Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott wants to share thanks to the community for “the acts of kindness and the resiliency of this community to answer the call to help our families in need.”

Please contact news@dhhs.nc.gov if you have additional questions.