Disabled Couple Faces Homelessness After North Houston Apartment Fire

Apartment Fire and Displacement

• 🔥 A disabled couple, Rose and Joe Garza, lost their North Houston apartment in a fire last week.
• 💔 Rose, who is blind, and Joe, who is paralyzed and bedridden, are now fearful of becoming homeless.
• 😔 The fire occurred at the Independence Hall Apartments, and tragically, a neighbor did not survive.

Challenges with Shelter and Housing Options

• 🏥 After being rescued, the couple stayed at a Red Cross shelter, which Rose found difficult due to disorientation and lack of accessibility.
• 🏥 Joe, requiring a special medical bed, was moved to a hospital, while Rose stayed with friends, unable to stay permanently.
• 🏠 The apartment managers offered a one-bedroom unit, but it was unsuitable for Joe's medical equipment and Rose's specialized Braille devices.
• 🚫 A housing agency informed them that the waiting list was closed, and the cost of other apartments is prohibitive on their fixed income.

Community and Official Response

• 🤝 State Representative Christina Morales' office is connecting with nonprofits to explore assistance options.
• ⚖️ Commissioner Garcia's office is aware of the situation and is investigating available resources.
• 🌐 The Garzas have established a GoFundMe page to seek financial help from the public.
• 🔗 A link to the GoFundMe can be found on the KHOU.com website.