Eureka Gardens residents call for action; claim unsafe living conditions

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Global Ministries Foundation took over Eureka Garden about two years ago.

Tracy Grant has lived in Eureka Garden for five years. She said a fresh coat of paint will only cover up the problem, it won't fix it.

She and her family have been living with mold, mildew and all sorts of problems.

"Why should people have to live like that? If you smell it, then you're breathing it in," Grant said.

Action News Jax found that the company owns dozens of low-income section 8 properties.

Tenants in other states complained of sewage backups, bugs infestations and rats.
 
Richard Hamlet is the president of Global Ministries Foundation. In a phone interview Thursday, Hamlet said he's newly aware of the issues, and they're on top of fixing them at all their properties.

"[Our] management company keeps up with any repair issues in our residents' units, and maintenance staff goes out and addresses those concerns, so we're in a process of reviewing all of the work orders that have been filled over the last year," Hamlet said.

But residents said they hope people above management will take a look.

"I pray so hard that the right people come out here and inspect all 400 units," Grant said.

Hamlet said he's sending out mold inspectors within the next few days. 
 
In the meantime, residents here have sent a letter of complaint to the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department.

WJAX