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As Floridians in GMF Properties Face Unsafe Living Conditions, Rubio, Nelson Urge HUD To Resolve Maintenance Requests Immediately

Jul 13, 2018 | Press Releases

Washington, D.C.— U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Bill Nelson (D-FL) today urged the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to immediately resolve unanswered maintenance requests for tenants of properties owned by Global Ministries Foundation.
 
  
Dear Secretary Carson:
  
It was only two years ago that we shed light on families that were subjected to slum-like conditions at properties owned and managed by Global Ministries Foundation.  Floridians residing at Windsor Cove Apartments in Orlando, and Stonybrook Apartments in Riviera Beach, faced leaking ceilings, mold, mildew and other conditions as a result of neglect.
 
Just this week, our offices were alerted to instances in which residents are again facing unsafe living conditions, while their maintenance requests have largely been ignored.  While we are pleased that Millennia Housing Development has taken over management of the properties, we are concerned that the lengthy process for formal ownership has led to delays in some of the much-needed maintenance and rehabilitation.
  
It is our hope that this ownership change will lead to direct results for the tenants of all properties in question. In the meantime, it is essential that all maintenance requests, especially those that pose a health and safety risk, are resolved immediately and that tenant surveys are conducted to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used as intended. 
 
Thank you for your attention to this pressing matter.
 
Sincerely,

Background On Rubio’s Efforts To Hold Global Ministries Foundation Accountable:

  • June 7, 2016 – Senator Rubio’s staff visited Stonybrook with Councilwoman Dawn Pardo and Police Major Josh Lewis and talked with residents 

  • September 9, 2016 – Rubio surprised GMF slumlords and visited residents forced to live in deplorable conditions at Stonybrook Apartments