Despite orders to leave, residents remain in flood-damaged apartment building
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Some residents are still living at the 2100 Memorial senior living complex even though the property did not accept October rent checks.
"We have water, we have elevators still working so far and we still have electricity," said resident Dorothy Shelley.
Eyewitness News first introduced you to the renters at the senior living complex a couple of weeks after Harvey tore through the building, flooding it and creating unsafe living conditions. Residents were told they'd have to move out during a closure for repairs, so volunteers with organizations like Main Street Ministries have shown up to help.
"They may have to open new accounts for water, electricity, so we're prepared to take care of that for the," said volunteer Esmeralda Reyes.
Shelley has lived in the building for 14 years and is uncertain about the safety and affordability of a new apartment.
"I looked at a couple of them, and I'm afraid to go to some of those areas that they've shown me," she said.
Another resident, Mark Richardson, said he was overwhelmed with the prospect of taking on new bills at a new residence.
"I've got part of my stuff moved, I'm staying with my son. I can't get the rest of my things moved so I'm having to stay here part of the time to protect the things I have here," he said.
The Houston Housing Authority says there is no deadline for closing the building, but they are moving residents as swiftly as possible because it is currently not up to code.
HHA says the fire sprinkler system doesn't work and the electrical system is expected to fail. In addition, essential repairs cannot begin until residents are moved out. The HHA has said current residents will have first priority to move back in once repairs reach completion.
