Senior residents at Creekbend Garden Apartments in southwest Houston struggle to stay cool as air conditioning issues persist.
HOUSTON — Residents at Creekbend Garden Apartments, a senior housing complex, say they’ve been dealing with ongoing air conditioning problems for weeks, leaving some struggling to stay cool in sweltering conditions.
For Augustus “Augie” Velez, the issue isn’t new. He says he hasn’t had central air for more than a year. When he moved in, he was provided a small window unit that didn’t cool his apartment adequately. His brother lent him a larger portable unit, but his bedroom still remained too hot.
“I told them my bedroom is like an oven,” Augie said. Now, he runs two units — one during the day and another at night — to make it bearable, which also means higher electricity bills.
Augie worries about his neighbors, many in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, who have been without reliable A/C for several weeks.
“These are elderly people… and I think it’s a shame,” he said.
Another resident, who requested anonymity, said she has spent her own money to stay cool.
“Most of us take our own money, and we are low-income people, and buy our own unit,” she said.
Temporary A/C units were set up in common areas, but residents say they are not effective. During a visit Monday, one unit was set to 64 degrees while the actual temperature in the room reached 84.
“Those things only work if you’re standing in front of them,” the resident said.
Until the system is fixed, residents like Augie say they are left to fend for themselves.
“I’m old … I’m 76 years old … and I don’t need to be looking for another place. I’m just hoping they get it fixed,” he said.
KHOU 11 reached out to the complex’s management company. They said a part meant to fix the cooling tower is expected to arrive this Friday. Management also told KHOU 11 they will evaluate Augie’s apartment to find a long-term solution for his ongoing issues.
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