KRGV.com

MISSION - The city of Mission is using federal grant money to help families in need find affordable housing. The funds help pay deposits and the first month of rent.

The program, though, hasn't may be running into some problems. Some benefitting from the program say they're thankful for the help, but argue that living conditions at some housing units are unhealthy.

A single mother of four who moved into an apartment complex on Washington Street a month and a half ago said there are dead roaches everywhere, electrical outlets in bad condition and mold behind the toilet.

"I want something safer, I can't even lock the door right because the hinge is coming off," she said.

A single father of two daughters who lives in the same apartment complex with the help of the same program said he's having similar problems.

"They said they sent somebody out here to get it checked, but as you can see there's different things that are not even taken care of, now my concern is my daughters," he said.

CHANNEL 5 NEWS spoke with the Mission Deputy City Manger Aida Lerma about living conditions at the apartment complex. She said they passed the initial inspection, but it's up to the apartment owners to keep up with code enforcement.

Lerma did say they would be looking into the problem.

"We're going to make sure that our health department goes and actually does a very thorough inspection to make sure these are up to code. We're very concerned about our residents. We want to avoid all this substandard living," she said.

CHANNEL 5 NEWS contacted the apartment manager, he said he's trying to fix all the problems at the complex but it will take time.