WREG.com

Foote Homes residents complain about relocation problems

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Housing Authority residents contacted WREG after they say the process to get in their new homes has proven anything but smooth.

Behind their closed doors, Foote Homes residents are worried.

While some have already moved away, others are sitting waiting for inspectors to approve their new places to live.

Others said just finding a new home has been a hassle.

“It’s been kind of hard on them,” said Betty Isom, a former MHA Resident.

She hears the complaints that many of the tenants don’t want to go public about, fearing it could jeopardize their move.

“A lot of them got vouchers and found no place to stay,” she said.

Tenants called WREG asking for help.

Some said when they move into their new homes, things like air conditioning and refrigerators, that they had in Foote Homes, now aren’t even included.

“It comes with a stove. It just needs a refrigerator. It’s upstairs and downstairs,” one tenant told us.

WREG contacted MHA.

Officials said the air conditioning is not required in new homes, just heating.

They said only one tenant had that issue and that property owner has now agreed to put in a window unit.

MHA said the amenities are disclosed to each family when they select a new home and availability of units is not a problem.

Yet, for some residents who are still waiting and even saying their Section 8 vouchers are being turned away by landlords, there is a problem.

The initial timeline for everyone to be out of Foote Homes is the end of September and the clock is ticking.

MHA said things are still on track for the September relocation timeline for Foote Homes.

They said families who have provided the required documentation have received vouchers and others are briefed daily on what they need to submit.

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