Tenants at Ada Ferrell Garden Apartments and their allies in the community came together on Saturday, Sept. 6, to celebrate the recent repairs of previously unreadable signage and rusted-out stairs at the complex.

Held at Trinity Lutheran Church, the event was organized by Tennessee Renters United (TRU) and had a garden theme — both a nod to the complex’s name and a statement of the grassroots nature of organizing in the community.

Two tenants were honored for their hard work and presented with flower bouquets by TRU as an audience of their loved ones and neighbors cheered them on.

A former resident, Caroline, said she was glad to know things were changing for the better, even if she couldn’t enjoy those changes herself. “Renters need landlords to be good neighbors and responsible community members. The condition of this property was unsafe for my family and we had to move.”

Johnnie, also an Ada Ferrell tenant, said she’s relieved about the repairs. “I’m just happy that we got done what we have, and I just hope we get a lot more done at Ada Ferrell so people can enjoy themselves and live easier.”

Johnnie knows all too well the urgency of the situation; during her remarks, she shared her story of twice needing an ambulance but first responders could not find her due to faded signage on the buildings.

The changes came after tenants joined Tennessee Renters United and spent weeks calling public attention to the potentially dangerous conditions. Tenants and concerned members of the community signed a certified letter to the property manager as well as the landlord Treetop Companies, based in New Jersey, urging for repairs to be made. Allies that signed on to the letter included Trinity Lutheran, Unitarian Universalist Church of Tullahoma, Damron’s Restaurant, and Director of Underprivileged Teen Training, Jeff Ellison.

Johnnie’s son, Justin, said he’s “very proud” of his mom for helping make positive change in the community. “It’s exciting watching the community come together to make Tullahoma a better place again, and we need more community outreach like this,” he said. “It felt like family. It was a safe place, and welcoming. People were unafraid to speak up.”

Justin added he hopes there’s more community involvement in the fight for better housing in Tullahoma.

“I love to have the community come together,” said Johnnie. “When there is more than one voice, we can get things done faster. I just wish we had more people come forward and not be so scared.”

TN Renters United brings together tenants to organize for renter protections and truly affordable housing as Tennessee faces an unprecedented housing crisis. For media interviews, photos, video, and to learn more about TN Renters United’s work, please contact us at 931-201-9479 or RentersUnited@fight4thesouth.org.