‘I feel wonderful’: Woman among first Latitude Five25 residents to move into permanent
Ann Barrett is one of the first to find housing because she has dialysis. The city said it is prioritizing pregnant mothers, seniors and those with health issues.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — After a month of uncertainty and wondering, residents of Latitude Five25 are starting to move into new housing.
10TV caught up with Ann Barrett, who just finished moving into her new apartment on Monday.
“I feel wonderful, so great to be here,” she said.
She still had a lot of boxes out, but she said it was like turning over a new leaf.
Barrett is one of the first because she has dialysis. The city said it is prioritizing pregnant mothers, seniors and those with health issues.
“I don’t have to sit and wait no more and figure out what’s going to be what,” she said.
Just because it’s a new home doesn’t mean it’s complete. She was only able to move in with just one bag she brought from her old apartment.
On Christmas, she and her neighbors were forced to evacuate their apartments because of bad weather that caused some pipes to burst. Add on top of that, asbestos was found throughout the buildings.
During Monday night’s Columbus City Council meeting, the city approved nearly $200,000 to provide housing support for residents.
During the meeting, they said more than 40 people have been placed in permanent housing, but they’re still working to contact others.
“This was an unfortunate incident that happened, first of all during one of the coldest days of the year,” said Councilwoman Lourdes Barroso De Padilla.
Barrett said she wants all her neighbors to be in secure housing soon.
The city said for residents that have not yet been contacted by them yet, you’re asked to give them a call at 614-421-6333.
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