Mary Ann

"I just need someone to help me for 2 weeks, 2 and a half MAX. I visited Chattanooga a couple years ago and decided to make it my new home. I like it here, but I don't know anyone here."

You do now, Mary Ann.

She packed the car, grabbed her 2 therapy dogs and headed north right after she got her FEMA settlement. 

But Mary Ann's car broke down along the way. The repairs and the cost of the rental car drained most of that settlement. Her hotel stay assistance runs out on Friday.

Last week she got a good job here. She starts work in 2 weeks, but there's this meantime. The mean - time. The make it or break it time.

The challenge is finding a transitional place that welcomes Mary Ann AND Lil' Bit, the teenage border collie, and Ruby, the elder Golden Retriever. 

Mary Ann has found 2 good possible new homes for all of them, but there's the mean - time between starting her new job, getting her 1st paycheck and becoming stable in their new home.

We're here, we're helping, and we're grateful for FEMA for its great work with the thousands of Irma and Harvey victims. As for Mary Ann, Lil' Bit and Ruby - we'll take it from here, for the mean - time. 

Standing in the gap. Receiving the passed baton. Not sure what to call it as we welcome hurricane transplants to Chattanooga.

I know you'll welcome Mary Ann, Lil' Bit and Ruby to our community, too. They have much to offer us all, and yearn to engage in the Chattanooga Way.