Emergency meeting held for tenants getting pushed out of their affordable apartments
NEWPORT, Ky. (WKRC) - People getting forced out of affordable apartments are fighting for more support. A local group put on an emergency meeting as they try to brainstorm solutions with residents.
Georgette Hohl is panicking. She's fearful and overwhelmed thinking about her future.
“I didn’t just stop paying my rent and I’m getting evicted. I didn’t do anything wrong. I paid my rent every month,” she said.
This month, new property owners of Victoria Square Apartments said they're redeveloping. More than 200 families have to go.
Hohl is staying proactive and having a yard sale.
“I don’t need all this stuff if I’m going to rent a room. I’m trying to give myself more options. Selling my stuff. I’m not trying to make a profit. You’re helping me by getting rid of my stuff,” she said.
Sunset Property Solutions is now giving residents an extra 31 days to move. Their new move out day is October 31.
Hohl and dozens of residents showed up to an emergency meeting put on by the Cincinnati Housing Justice Coalition. Organizer Hayley Powell wants to show each person she stands with them.
“This is the biggest most tragic thing I’ve ever heard firsthand... or experienced or witnessed firsthand,” Powell said.
One hope is they get more time and financial help.
“Our goal today for this meeting is to make sure every tenant here leaves knowing at least one other tenant,” she said.
As they together figure out what's next.
“We don’t know what to do and we’re getting no help,” Hohl said.
All they can do is be there for each other.
“That’s what gets people through trauma, right? And bad situations. Support and knowing you have other people who need you and you can help them,” Powell said.
