Opelika hotel hazard homelessness highlights store clerk’s kindness

OPELIKA, Ala. (WRBL) – Nearly 100 long-term residents of Opelika’s Springwood Hotel were forced to leave on short notice after the State Fire Marshal closed the property due to serious health and safety violations. One of those residents, 72-year-old Michael Ray, is now homeless, relying on his “only friend in the world” to help him through this crisis.

The bond between Ray and 40-year-old Tay Johnson began two years ago when Ray moved into the Springwood Hotel, and Johnson worked next door at the Grub Mart. Their friendship blossomed over time, with Johnson recalling their connection.

“Michael always comes and shops at the Grub Mart. You see that bike over there? He told me about it, and I went and bought one myself. We’ve just been friends ever since,” Johnson shared.

As Ray faced eviction, Johnson stepped up, offering what support he could. “He’s 100% solid. He’ll help anybody. He doesn’t care what color you are; he’s good people,” Ray said of Johnson. “Right now, he’s the only friend I’ve got.”

Ray is one of many left scrambling after the hotel’s sudden closure. Opelika Fire Chief Shane Boyd explained the dire conditions leading to the State Fire Marshal’s decision, citing severe structural issues and fire risks.

“Everything we put in place to protect life and safety in apartment complexes—almost every aspect of it was compromised in this facility,” Chief Boyd said.

With nowhere to go, Ray is moving his belongings to the Grub Mart’s sidewalk where Johnson can keep an eye on him. “I’m homeless. I’m gonna put my stuff over there on the side of that building, and that’s where I’m gonna live until I can get something,” he said.

Johnson, doing what he can, promised to find Ray a room for a few nights. “I might need help one day, so hopefully, someone will return the favor,” Johnson added.

Ray, who lives on a fixed income, paid $325 a week to stay at Springwood, a price he says reflects the lack of affordable housing in the area. He admitted the conditions were poor, saying, “It’s got alien insects, rats, and roaches. It’s awful bad in there.”

The Opelika Police Department’s social services team is assisting displaced residents, but the situation remains grim. Chief Boyd emphasized the tough decision to evacuate the residents.

“Do I want to stand here and tell you we’re gonna have to remove people in a 24 or 36-hour window, or am I gonna stand in front of a burnt-down building and explain why some of these people didn’t make it out alive? Nobody is happy about where we are, but I think this was the best outcome for all involved, even though it was a bad one,” Boyd said.

As for Ray, he remains hopeful, grateful for Johnson’s help, and determined to find work. “I’m a welder, of course I do a lot of other things—you show me how to do something, and I’ll do it,” he said.

The co-owner of Springwood Hotel told WRBL they plan to make repairs and reopen, but no timeline has been provided.

Meanwhile if you’d line to assist Tay as he helps Michale you can reach him at the Grub Mart located at 1000 Columbus Pkwy, Opelika AL 36801. The store’s number is 334-749-0514.

This is what true friendship looks like – showing up, standing by, and being there for one another when life gets rough. Tay’s kindness reminds us all of the power of human connection. In a world where we can feel so divided, let’s be the friend who steps in.

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