Houston complex left without running water for days

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- She can try twisting the handle, but there's no running water at Kim Sheets' apartment.

"This is the gallon of water they bring us, and they brought these four little bottles a while ago," Sheets said.

Sheets and her husband Tim, along with the other residents of Woodland Christian Towers, haven't had the simple luxury of a clean sink or a warm bath since the building's basement took on several feet of water in this week's storm.

"With no water, you can't take baths. I mean he's disabled, he needs a bath. They offered yesterday to go to the other apartment complex to take showers. But what about the people that can't get up to go over there?" Sheets said.

The HUD apartment complex is for low-income senior citizens and people with disabilities over the age of 18. Moving downstairs is nearly impossible for many residents of the seven-story complex, because the elevators aren't working either.

Apartment administrator Frankie Hamilton says both of the elevators have to be replaced.

"Everything that operates this building was submerged under water. And until things get completely dried out, some things can't be worked on until those things are clean and completely dried out," Hamilton said.

In the meantime, Hamilton has delivered food and water to the residents twice a day, trying to make the best of a bad situation.

"We're hopeful that everything will be up and running as soon as possible," Hamilton said.

"They have to get something going. I know they're trying, but try harder," Sheets said.

Hamilton says she's not sure when the new elevators will be in or how long it will take to replace them, but she hopes to have running water back online by Monday.