CHATTANOOGA, Tenn — Hundreds of people gathered Christmas Eve at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga for a warm meal, cold weather supplies, and a reminder that they are not alone.
Volunteers with the Union Gospel Mission served Christmas Eve meals and handed out items like blankets, sleeping bags, and hygiene kits to people in need. The outreach comes as advocates say homelessness in Chattanooga has increased compared to last year.
Union Gospel Mission Executive Director Rev. Jon Rector said demand for services often rises during the holiday season…