The fallout from the closing of Villa Town Motel continued Monday night into Tuesday, as more residents were given just a few hours’ notice to vacate their rooms. Some people ended up on the street, with nowhere to go.
“The last minute they said we were going to have until Friday, and then they said the Sheriff said that we have until today at midnight, or they’re gonna board up the stuff and everything in there is gonna stay in there,” Former Resident Rebecca Ochoa said.
An initial notice from management told people to leave the premises immediately, but they say they were told April 21st was the deadline to go, just before the temporary restraining order expired.
Then residents got a second notice from management.
“They say they may not refund our money, and just to get out or they’re gonna throw us out. So I said let’s pack let’s get out, we have no choice,” Ochoa said.
Court documents we have don’t state a final move-out date for residents. Elizabeth Askins and her daughter were left homeless last night.
“We had nowhere to go, we got adult protective services and they paid for a cab for us to get here behind Carpenter’s Church,” Askins said.
We’re told at least 7 people from Villa Town sought refuge at the church.
“We actually know some of the people who came to us from the Villa we had known previously over the years, so I think they knew this was a familiar safe place to go and that’s why they ended up here,” Carpenter’s Church Director Chad Wheeler said.
The church doesn’t think it will be an easy fix for most.
“People who are living in places that sometimes that aren’t really meant for human habitation and aren’t quality living environment,” Wheeler said, “And when they are taken away and other solutions aren’t put in place, then those people end up on the streets.”
*If you’d like to help former Villa Town residents, Wheeler recommends the Salvation Army. You can also contact Carpenter’s Church directly at 806-687-2453.
