MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Global Ministries is under fire from the federal government again. HUD sent a letter to GMF, asking the organization to consider selling three of its complexes in Florida.
WJXT in Jacksonville, Florida, shared images of the Eureka Garden Apartments with WREG. That is one of the Florida complexes in which HUD recently voiced concerns.
HUD sent a letter to GMF saying, “…HUD officials observed rusted appliances, decades-old cabinets, band-aid fixes on stairs and holes in walls.”
It went on to say, “HUD recommends that GMF begin to work toward disposition of these properties to alternative ownership.”
Reverend Richard Hamlet, CEO and president of GMF, released a statement but did not specifically mention selling. The statement said, “…we are actively working with government housing officials to ensure those properties are in compliance with all federal and state laws, regulations and local codes.”
WREG asked HUD if any of GMF’s properties in Memphis could get a similar recommendation. HUD said it could not give a definite answer, because there are many factors.
HUD already pulled funding from the Tulane and Warren apartments because of terrible conditions.
Residents are supposed to get vouchers to relocate this spring.
In terms of other GMF properties in Memphis, environmental court found Goodwill Village made necessary improvements, but it is still under the microscope.
Meanwhile, city code enforcement found high-rise Serenity Towers was still not in compliance, after a persisting bed-bug problem.
One resident said if things do not improve over time, he would understand if HUD sent a similar letter to Memphis.
“Yeah, why not? When the other person’s not doing what they’re supposed to do, you know, I don’t think that we as tenants should suffer because of their neglect,” said resident Reikoe Maujer.
County Commissioner Eddie Jones said Tulane and Warren failed HUD inspections, so they could possibly be on a similar path.
GMF told WREG it is in discussion to sell Tulane and Warren.
GMF owns eight properties in Memphis.