I am a resident at Highlands Village Senior Apartment Homes in Clearlake. I am the mother of five children, 18 grandchildren, and two great grandsons. I live on Social Security only. Without HUD subsidized housing, I would indeed be homeless.
I recently have occasion to contact you and rather than call long-distance, as I have been requested to do from time to time by your staff, I thought I might email, however, the email address listed on your website does not go through, hence this open letter.
I have read on your website your Mission Statement as well as historical information that has set your organization apart from the rest in the development of HUD subsidized housing. A part of what I have read with interest is the following:
“The largest affordable housing developer in rural Northern California. The agency serves between 1500 and 2000 seniors, low-income families, farm workers and the physically and mentally disabled people annually and controls ten Limited Liability Corporations in five counties, which together manage over $200 million in assets.”
Keeping in mind the scope of your non-profit organization, I am troubled about the fact that I have been without air conditioning since July 21; it is 95 degrees outside and 80 degrees inside.
Rumors have spread in our complex that the previous Director was fired and that there is no Director at this point in time; that your organization is failing monetarily; and especially since this complex has been without benefit of a manager since December 2007, that this property is being sold and we will all have to relocate.
I am a heart patient with one of many diagnoses of heart failure, so it is difficult to understand how a $2.3 million dollar organization would treat an elder as I am being treated. I have not been provided a loan of a portable air conditioner, nor have I been told when to expect a new one, which the two different companies that came to look at my air conditioner said I needed.
I also do not have transportation.
I was told a third company representative would be here today to give you the third estimate and then “the office” would decide which one company to go with. No one came today or called me.
I have no idea what is happening and I can”t help but wonder if your own mother or grandmother were treated this way what you personally would do about it? I would bet as you read my letter that you are sitting in air conditioning.
It is also important to note that the website states,
“RCHDC has a Board of Directors that is composed of highly competent and dedicated individuals. Many of them have business experience in the fields of real estate, bank, and business. They oversee the Executive Director and Fiscal Officer, who manage the corporation on a day-to-day basis. RCHDC has an experienced staff and they manage the corporation in a professional and responsible manner.”
However, I wonder if you are aware of what is happening at Highlands Village Senior Apartment Homes in Clearlake, where one resident is well known for having drunken and drugging parties; where a child molester resides; and where I am in an 80-degree apartment and have no idea when help will arrive.
I am asking for assistance and I am asking for positive changes at Highlands Village in Clearlake, CA for seniors who are at the mercy of those who are in control.
Beverly J. Antons Owen
Clearlake
