CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Dozens of Lake Arbor families are either out of a home or soon will be, and Mecklenburg County is stepping up to help them.
For years, Lake Arbor residents complained of horrifying conditions inside their west Charlotte apartment complex. The landlord abruptly announced all of them have to move out so repairs can be made.
The county is using $1.8 million in emergency assistance funds to help the residents.
[PAST COVERAGE: Residents forced to move so apartment complex can make improvements]
County leaders briefed commissioners on their allocation at a meeting Wednesday night.
Crisis Assistance Ministry is administering the funds. Lake Arbor families can receive up to $1,000 per household for relocation.
Mecklenburg County is also providing housing vouchers through the Department of Social Services, and up to 15 families can receive short-term rental assistance.
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Some county commissioners are happy they can assist Lake Arbor but feel the city dropped the ball.
"We thought the city would take care of its responsibility of code enforcement for that facility, and they have not done what they are supposed to do," Commissioner Vilma Leake said.
United Way has raised more than $130,000 to date for Lake Arbor families. Free legal assistance is also being offered for residents.