HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Robert Ashley has spent most of the past three days at an open window at the end of the hall.
Building 3 at the Villas at Eastwood on Hussion Street, southeast of downtown, has minimal electricity. This means there’s no elevator, which Ashley, who relies on a motorized chair, needs to get downstairs.
“I feel like I’m trapped up here,” said the 72-year-old.
As a result, Ashley has been limited to short trips up and down the hallway of the Harris County Housing Authority (HCHA) property.
While power has been restored to Buildings 1 and 2, Building 3 remains without it. Residents are running low on food.
“Trying to see what I’m going to do as far as food,” said one woman who wished to remain anonymous. “The microwave isn’t working. All the food has gone bad.”
These low-income residents are struggling to cope with the high temperatures and have few options.
“Right now, it’s reading 86 degrees,” said Kyle Conner, pointing to his thermostat. “If you don’t know anyone, there’s nowhere to go to cool down. It’ll drive you crazy. It’s so incredibly hot.”
is on the scene, documenting the impact of the extensive power outages. Frustration is growing as residents wait for improvements.
“We’re all just trying to do the best we can,” said Kimberly Gardner.
