GRIFFIN, Ga. — More than 30 families in a Griffin Apartment complex fear for their futures.
Their complaints about the conditions at Ava Park have prompted the City of Griffin to get involved. And on Thursday, every unit will be inspected.
However, that accountability could come at a price, as tenants expressed concerns that if the building is condemned, they'll have nowhere to live.
Lillie Brown said she's lived in the complex for about four years. She said she's made a litany of complaints, starting with her air conditioning.
"Two units in the window, that's the only A/C that I've ever received since I've been here," Brown said.
Brown also claimed she hadn't had hot water for months.
"You heat your water, then pour it in the tub to take a bath," Brown said.
Brown said there's also a rodent, roach and raw sewage problem. When the complaints kept pouring in, community advocate Dr. Yoshunda Jones with the 5181 Foundation got involved.
"No one — not a dog, not a cat should be subjected to these types of living conditions," Jones said through her tears.
Their concerns were brought first to the property owners, Ohio-based Millennia. Brown said the maintenance and communication has been slow. Then, tenants went to Griffin Housing Authority to no avail. Eventually, the City of Griffin was called to get involved.
Jennifer Battle said she'd lived in the complex for ten years until her building burnt down on Aug. 4. The building is now empty and boarded up, with a notice from the City of Griffin deeming it unsafe to live. She said she left with only the clothes on her back.
"Power company came out, took out all the meters, and told us we had to vacate that day —no ifs, and's, or buts about it," Battle said.
Now, she fears that the rest of her neighbors will meet the same fate.
Battle now lives with a friend, as she's yet to find a place to live. Battle said the Red Cross helped, but she has not received any compensation outside of the check she sent for rent.
"If Griffin pulls all occupancy, we have nowhere to go," Battle said. "And nobody's offering no vouchers. Nobody's offering no funds — nothing."
A spokesperson for the City of Griffin told 11Alive that they can confirm there have been numerous tenant complaints regarding the housing conditions at Ava Park and that the City will be inspecting all 80 units this Thursday.
Though Millennia didn't respond to 11Alive's multiple requests for a response, tenants were left with a letter from Executive Vice President Alan Weckerly Tuesday notifying them all about the inspections.
"The inspection will be conducted by Millennia Housing Management personnel in conjunction with City of Griffin designated individuals and officials," The letter read. "This inspection is anticipated to be completed on Thursday, August 22. However, for planning purposes this notice, if necessary, will extend into the next business day, Friday, August 23, 2024."
Jones said she feels these residents need an emergency housing plan. And Brown said if the rest of the buildings are condemned, she'll have nothing. She's disabled and depends on social security.
"I feel like I'm going to be put out with nowhere to go," Brown said. "I don't think that's right."
The mere thought brings all three women to tears.
Brown said she can't afford to go anywhere.
"If that's their only option, let it be, just as long as they help me find me a suitable place to stay," Brown said.
And Battle said she loves her home. She wants them to renovate instead.
"We're hoping that they pass — the front passes so they can build our community back. We don't want to go," Battle said. "We want to stay."
Battle started an online fundraiser here.
The inspection is set for Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.