Homeless Clinton resident describes months of housing failures, sanitation and landlord disputes

Kathleen (Hansen) told the Clinton City Council she is currently homeless and living in a church garage after a period of housing loss she said began in December and continued into May. She said her HUD-subsidized unit had a toilet that “fell apart” and was unrepaired for 22 days, and she said she submitted information about the problem to Richard Holley of city staff.

Hansen said the unit had longstanding maintenance issues including a roof leak that she said had been covered by ceiling tiles for seven years and that the landlord—identified in testimony as Melvin Leese (also referred to as Melbourne lease in the transcript)—refused to fix the property after August of the prior year. She said she had unpaid rent while under HUD assistance and that code enforcement and the fire marshal had inspected the property multiple times beginning Jan. 30 and continuing after April 17. Hansen said she had photographs documenting prior fire damage covered by tiles.

Hansen said she had a hospital stay in July and that she has been unable to find housing. The council asked whether staff had her contact information and confirmed they would have staff (Matt) follow up to see if the city could help connect her with services. The meeting record shows staff agreed to follow up; no new council action or funding was adopted at the meeting.

Hansen said she submitted complaints to city staff, code enforcement and the fire marshal and that she had raised concerns about inspections and repairs; she asked the council for assistance in getting repairs completed and stable housing.

Council members said staff would contact Hansen and explore resources to assist. Council did not adopt emergency relief at the meeting but asked staff to pursue available options and report back.