Families at Eureka Gardens are reacting to Sen. Marco Rubio's visit to the complex. They say they're grateful that he's bringing national attention to what's happening at the complex.
"We have seen tape from dead bodies. My children have seen blood pools from dead bodies, we have witnessed stabbings, fighting, you name it, we seen it," said Dwan Wilson.
Wilson said those are just some of the things her family has witnessed living at Eureka Gardens, over the last eight years.
"My roof was leaking feces water from old pipes. I had black stuff to come out of my bathroom sink, I had black stuff to come out of my kitchen sink," said Wilson.
Wilson said despite her multiple calls and complaints to the owner of Eureka Gardens, Global Ministries Foundation, so far nothing has been done, until now.
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"This came from wear and tear, years of wear and tear of not tearing something down and properly rebuilding it," said Wilson.
For months, Action News Jax has investigated the living conditions of mold, poor air quality and rusted stair wells at the complex.
"How many children's lungs are filled with asthma? How many people go back and forth to the hospital? How many don't know what kind of water they're boiling and making their babies' milk with? These are the kind of things we're dealing with daily. This is our life," said Wilson.
It's a life, Sen. Rubio wanted to witness first hand. Friday, Rubio, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry and other city leaders walked the property. Wilson said she's glad Rubio stopped by because he can shed national light to their very dark situation, but she feels something should have been done a long time ago.
"To be honest with you, it's a concern of mine why everyone didn't come sooner," said Wilson.
"These people should never be allowed to have a contract from HUD again and quite frankly, I honestly hope and I'm going to ask the Department of Justice to look into this company and look at the way they're spending federal money," said Sen. Rubio.
Tracy Grant was one of the residents who showed Rubio how residents are really living. She said it's time for the current owner Global Ministries Foundation and Reverend Richard Hamlet, to pack up and get out.
"Come stand in my face and say 'yes, I did do this, I did allow this to continue,'" said Grant.
Global Ministries Foundation said Rev. Hamlet is out of the country; that's why he wasn't at Eureka Gardens.
Rubio said he plans on seeking a criminal investigation against the property.
City Leaders and local pastors are out here at Eureka Gardens. They will tour with Sen. Rubio
.
-- Larry Spruill Jr (@LarryANjax)
Neighbors tell me, they hope
will bring them real hope and change.
-- Larry Spruill Jr (@LarryANjax)
Global Ministries Foundation staff members are here but Rev. Hamlett is not here.
-- Larry Spruill Jr (@LarryANjax)
Mayor
just arrived at Eureka Gardens.
-- Larry Spruill Jr (@LarryANjax)
My source tells me several companies are interested in buying Eureka Gardens and other GMF properties.
-- Larry Spruill Jr (@LarryANjax)
The tour of Eureka Gardens just started.
-- Larry Spruill Jr (@LarryANjax)
Staff members from GMF introduced themselves to
. Rubio says "What you guys are doing is horrible."
-- Larry Spruill Jr (@LarryANjax)
Senator
is addressing the media about his tour.
-- Larry Spruill Jr (@LarryANjax)
There are still more work to be done here, says
-- Larry Spruill Jr (@LarryANjax)
"I'm calling for criminal action against Global Ministries"
-- Larry Spruill Jr (@LarryANjax)
This neighbor tells me she's fed up with the living conditions at Eureka Gardens. Live at 5.
-- Larry Spruill Jr (@LarryANjax)
