Seniors impacted by Wedington Place rent increases receive assistance

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — On August 6, residents at Wedington Place Senior Apartments in Fayetteville received a notice that they could either pack up or pay up.

According to the notice, the price of a two-bedroom unit is set to increase by 53%, and a one-bedroom will increase by 73%.

While many of the seniors have decided to leave the complex, some residents remain or are unable to move due to disabilities, or not having anyone to help them move.

Michael Floyd, whose in-laws live at Wedington Place, says that over the weekend at least ten seniors moved out. The complex is made up of 72 units, which means nearly 15% moved out that weekend.

However, on Friday, the remaining residents received assistance from some outside groups. The effort was headed by Floyd and his wife Rosa.

“My hope is that our residents, No.1, feel like they don’t necessarily have to move, that they have options, that they have some ways to deal with the rent increase because a lot of these folks have lived here for years. It’s a community for them. So, we’d like to give them some resources, but at the same time, we’d like them to know that the community as a whole cares about them, and sees them, and wants to help them through this,” Floyd said.

Various food assistance programs attended including the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, St. James Food Pantry. Additionally, a Medicare and Medicaid specialist was present, the city of Fayetteville, the Economic Opportunity Agency of Washington County, and Arkansas Renter’s United.

Floyd says through these organizations, the seniors learned about different resources that are available for their use.

“[We’re] helping residents sign up for some benefits they may not know they’re eligible for like SNAP or utility or assistance or even a pet clinic to get free pet supplies,” Floyd said.

Billy Cook, Organizer with Arkansas Renter’s United, says he’s been keeping a watchful eye on the situation since he first found out about it.

“One lady today told me that she feels very lonely, that all of her friends that she’s known for several years now have had to move. She’s afraid that she might have to move. And so, it’s a lot of sadness a lot of anger and frustration. People have called what’s being done to them cruel and wrong,” Cook said.

Through various conversations with the affected residents, Cook says he’s found that lots of the seniors are having to cut corners to keep a roof over their heads.

“Most people are able to weather it. You know, they cut out a Netflix subscription or they get rid of their Spotify if they’re a younger person. But when you’re a senior citizen, you have to start making really hard decisions. Am I going to cut back on my groceries? Am I going to cut back on my medicine? Am I going to cut back on gas to get to the doctor?” Cook said.

However, Cook says this issue lies within Arkansas state law.

“Arkansas is often known as one of the worst, if not the worst, states in the nation to be a renter. We have no limit to the amount of rent that can be raised for seniors or anyone,” Cook said.

Cook believes the state is not doing enough to protect the seniors.

“Right now, the law is not on their side. And so, the ideal situation is people will be able to stay here. But also, we desperately need reform to make sure that this doesn’t happen to anyone else,” said Cook.

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