This week, Local 3’s Latrice Currie discusses how one group works to keep the homeless community warm, a Black History Month event featuring the Divine Nine, how cold weather affects Alzheimer’s symptoms, and an upcoming hiring fair with the Urban League and Unum. 

This winter season has brought frigid temperatures to the Tennessee Valley. While grabbing a coat or heading inside our warm home is common, it’s not that easy for those who are homeless in our community. 

The Union Gospel Mission is working to help keep our unhoused neighbors warm. The organization is also expanding its services to house more homeless men, and helping them get back on their feet. 

The Chattanooga outreach is also working to expand its housing by adding eight more beds. 

The Christian organization provides food, shelter, clothing and other physical needs to those in need around the Chattanooga area. 

If you need help, contact the Union Gospel Mission at 423-752-4998. Head to their website for more details.

During the early 1900s, racism and segregation was running rampant. Black students who were able to go to college were excluded from fraternities and social groups. So, they former their own, which has grown into a powerful organization called the Divine Nine. 

• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (1906)
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (1908)
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (1911)
• Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (1911)
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (1913)
• Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (1914)
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (1920)
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (1922)
• Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. (1963)

The Bessie Smith Cultural Center is hosting an upcoming event highlighting this group: Greek Steps, Black Roots – NPHC Night. It is a free event, open to the public. 

It’s happening Thursday, February 5, at 6:00pm. 

While many people become uncomfortable when the weather turns cold, it can actually worsen symptoms for Alzheimer’s patients. 

Healthcare profession Shelby Turner is the chair of the Chattanooga Walk to End Alzheimer’s. She explains how cold weather impacts those with Alzheimer’s disease, including: 

• Sundowning
• Depression
• Sleep Issues
• Confusion
• Wandering

She also provides advice for caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients. 

You can contact the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900. Head to their website for more information.

The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga is partnering with Unum to host a hiring event to help individuals find a job with a livable wage and benefits. 

Organizers explain the purpose of this hiring event, what led to their partnership, their pre-hire session, and much more. 

Both events will take place at the Urban League headquarters, at 401 E. M L King Blvd., suite 301.  

The pre-hire qualification session will take place Tuesday, January 27, from 5:00pm-7:00pm. 

The ULGC Workforce Access Hiring Day will take place February 5, from 10:00am-4:00pm. There are limited interview slots, and pre-registration is required.