HENDERSON, N.C. (WTVD) – Ashleigh Alston will move into her four-bedroom home with her six children in a few hours, and thanks to a generous donation, she will have furniture.
“There’s nothing I can do but just smile,” Alston said. “If we didn’t have that, I would have gotten air mattresses. We could have slept on them. The last three months have been a little stressful. It’s taken a little bit out of me. I’ve cried a little bit, but God has always come first.”
Charlotte-based Beds for Kids, with support from Wellcare, donated $100,000 worth of furniture.
“This way we can ensure that these families have accommodation and a home where they can feel comfortable and safe,” said Shaune Lancit of Wellcare.
In May, ABC11 Eyewitness News reported on the health violations, which included mold, vermin, trash and debris piling up inside. The city manager said the property also violated building and fire codes, some of which carry fines.
“They have not been penalized. The violations may be penalized, but they are still working on processing the violations,” said Terrell Blackman, Henderson City Manager.
The city has even taken measures to help these families rebuild.
“The city even gave each family a relocation check for two thousand dollars. The city manager calculated that,” said Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott.
We ensure that these families have accommodation and a home where they can feel comfortable and safe.
The city believes it is possible to reopen the motel, but due to the numerous violations, this will be difficult.
ABC11 Eyewitness News has reached out to the owners of the 121 Motel for comment but has not received a response.
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