Some Valencia Way neighbors seeing results while others continue waiting for gas

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — UPDATED STORY: One month and some Valencia Way neighbors are still waiting for gas and hot water 

Things are starting to look up for some people at the Valencia Way apartments after one building had their gas and hot water restored Friday.

There are still hundreds of other families without it, who have been patiently waiting for almost a month for the gas to be turned back on.

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This week U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development stepped in to help. Thursday HUD officials Thursday said they helped 11 families have temporary housing while they wait for the gas to be turned back on.

Meanwhile, people in one building came home to a letter posted on their door saying their gas has been restored and hundreds of others are waiting to hear the same.

Tracy Grant used to be president of the tenants' association at Valencia Way, formerly known as Eureka Gardens. She's since moved out but said she empathizes with the neighbors.

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​​​​​"Your children can't go to school you can't go to work, you can't -- your whole life stops. I understand the residents out here," Grant said.

HUD provided temporary housing for some people in the complex, starting with the elderly and disabled.

"They shouldn't just offer it to some because all are suffering, not just some," Grant said.

Action News Jax contacted HUD to find out how much in taxpayer dollars it cost to provide that temporary housing and to find out if Millenia, the complex's owner, would be reimbursing the cost of it.

We're still waiting here back. However, Grant said this is the time neighbors need to let management know they all deserve equal treatment.

"Speak up, speak up. It's not just one person. It takes an entire village to speak up and demand change," Grant said.

People in the one building who had their gas restored are thankful for that. Meanwhile hundreds of others are waiting to get the same news.

Action News Jax Investigates: Jacksonville apartment complex Valencia Way without gas, running water

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