Families battling mold in Gainesville apartment complex

Erica Browns 6-year-old son doesnt understand why his family cant go home.

Brown and her three young children have been living in a hotel since Monday because of a serious mold problem in her Horizon House apartment.

Its not even safe to go into the apartment, the smell is so horrid, the 26-year-old single mother said. I want a place where I can not be worried about things getting into the walls and into our lungs.

She first noticed the problem last year, only a few months after moving into the complex located at 1515 NW 10th St.

Both she and her two daughters suffer from asthma, so after spotting mold on the ceiling of her bathroom, Brown immediately called maintenance. She was ignored for months. Finally, maintenance came by and discovered the toilet in the apartment upstairs was leaking. The worker sprayed the room with bleach and painted over the area.

Last week, Brown discovered black mold in the closet of the room her 4-year-old and 19-month-old daughters share.

Despite pleas to the landlord and maintenance staff, nothing was done. The complex offered to move her to another apartment, but after talking to neighbors, Brown realized it wouldnt make a difference.

Resident Walette Mulberry, 38, has been battling mold since she moved into her apartment five years ago. Lately, its been getting worse.

Now, she and her two kids ages 8 and 11 sleep in the living room. One of the three bedrooms serves as their closet and changing areas. The other rooms are covered with mold.

Another resident, Onteria Lawrence, had to throw away boxes of clothing, a pile of DVDs and assorted dining room furniture because of mildew.

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Families battling mold in Gainesville apartment complex