JACKSONVILLE, Texas (TXAN 24) — Residents of Pine Creek Apartments at 1511 Gay Avenue in Jacksonville, Texas, are raising alarms over appalling living conditions that they say have persisted for years, despite their repeated pleas for help.
The complex, which is home to many low-income tenants, has been described by some as barely livable, with problems ranging from infestations of snakes, rats, and roaches to black mold and severe maintenance neglect.
One tenant, who requested anonymity out of fear of retaliation, shared a harrowing account of life at Pine Creek Apartments: "I've been living here for four years, and they didn't even install smoke detectors until the fire department came out, saw the situation, and said something to management." This lack of basic safety measures is just the tip of the iceberg.
Another resident recounted the financial and emotional toll the situation has taken on them: "Rats have eaten over $2,000 worth of my clothes and shoes. They’ve ruined all my furniture when the place flooded, and management never replaced anything. I don’t even use my stove anymore because the rats have taken it over."
The apartment complex has also faced issues with severe flooding and sewage problems, which have been left unresolved for extended periods. "I woke up to 120 gallons of sewer water and had to stay in it until the next day because there’s never anyone in the office, and maintenance doesn’t respond," another tenant reported. "I’ve had to fix and replace everything myself."
Despite these dire circumstances, residents say they are constantly threatened with eviction notices, often without just cause. One tenant shared their frustration: "I try to tell them about the issues, and they respond by slapping eviction notices on our doors, over and over, for no reason."
For many residents, Pine Creek Apartments is the only option they can afford. "This is all I have," one person said. "I can’t afford anything else, and I have no family. This is the only place I’ve got to lay my head, but I can’t even do that without worrying about rats attacking me or roaches in my food, so I don’t eat. I’m scared to even take a shower or go in the kitchen."
Others who came to Pine Creek Apartments seeking government assistance now feel trapped in a nightmare. "I came here for government help, and this is what I got. But I guess it’s better than being on the streets," said another tenant, who also asked to remain anonymous.
The conditions at Pine Creek Apartments are not only affecting the residents' quality of life but also their health. "I paid my pet deposit, but now they’re telling me to get rid of my pets. I’ve been here for five years, and they’re like my kids. The black mold keeps us sick," one resident said.
Residents have attempted to secure housing vouchers to move out of Pine Creek, but many say their requests are met with further harassment from management. "I’ve been asking for my voucher just to be able to move without causing any problems, but I can’t even get that. When I do ask, that’s when they start harassing me with eviction papers for no reason," a tenant lamented.
TXAN 24 News has reached out to the management of Pine Creek Apartments for comment but has yet to receive a response.
As the situation continues to unfold, residents are hoping that by speaking out, they can bring attention to the conditions they are enduring and finally receive the help they desperately need.
If you or someone you know is living in similar conditions, please reach out to local authorities or tenant advocacy groups for assistance. TXAN 24 News will continue to follow this story closely as more details emerge.
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