Brookwood Inn Shutdown Leaves 60 Families Scrambling for New Homes in Statesville

A sudden shutdown notice at Statesville's Brookwood Inn has thrown dozens of lives into chaos. The building's crumbling base and structural issues forced owners to close the doors, pushing out sixty families who called the motel home.

In swift action, the United Way of Iredell County put up $15,000 for quick aid. They've promised to match public gifts up to another $15,000 to ease the burden of moving costs.

"Being a mother all you want is a roof over your head, this was a safe place," said Joy Menard per WCNC. Menard shares a room at the motel with her 12-year-old daughter.

Local groups rushed to set up aid networks. "We recognize the incredible burden this closure places on so many vulnerable families," Fifth Street Ministries board chair Joseph Mazzola said, according to WCNC. "We are not doing this alone. This is a community-wide response."

For those living on tight budgets, the motel was more than just rooms: it was stability. Now, with wait times for housing stretching past 24 months, these families face tough choices and few options.

Act of Kindness Family Ministry worker Denise Sharrow works non-stop to place people in stable housing. Her staff searches daily for open spots at other motels while seeking long-term fixes.

Parents feel the strain most heavily. "I was so shocked I was like God really now what am I going to do," Tanetha Pinkston shared. Ronda Perry spoke through tears: "I feel like I'm failing my kids and it's hard with no help."

To help those affected, Fifth Street Ministries set up a "Brookwood Response" fund. People can send money through their site or mail checks to their local office.

As time runs short, local groups work around the clock to find new homes. This emergency puts a spotlight on the area's lack of low-cost housing choices.