The Coronado Project Apartments located on E. 29th street, has had their water meter removed twice within the last month due to a lack of payment. The city has given them extensions, but when the bill racked up to $10,000 and the property failed to pay, their water was cut on Friday evening, October 7th.
The non-profit housing is owned by former councilman, Frank Morrison, who allows for people who are in need of a second chance to live there. Last night Morrison had a heated discussion with the previous owner, Lester Payne who said that Morrison is required to pay.
“The rest of the problems can be handled very easily primarily through communication which is a bit of a problem for Frank and I.” said Payne.
Owner, Morrison has remained positive throughout the course of the obstacles that the property has been faced with. He said that after the coverage they received during last nights altercations, he was thrilled today to receive a saving grace from community supporters.
“We had a few of our supporters come together and say ‘Frank, we can not let your mission or ministry fail,” said Morrison. “We are prepared to come up with the money to pay your water bill.”
At noon today the bill was paid, and at 2:00 PM the water was turned back on. Although some residents have found other places to live in the midst of the water meter removal, others have said they won’t be moving anywhere, and that they are thankful for Morrison. Coronado Resident, Lee said Morrison helped him get off the streets.
“He went in debt trying to help everyone else and he put himself last,” said Lee. “That’s why he’s not able to pay, but we have to start paying on his end to help with our end.”
Every Saturday, The Lubbock Dream Center visits the property to distribute food to the residents and say a prayer with them. One of the pastors, George Botello said visiting the property is an important priority to them.
“We’ve been doing for a couple of years and this is a ministry we enjoy doing,” said Botello. “We just want to tell the community that Jesus cares.”
