NEW ORLEANS — Francine left hundreds of thousands without power, and some who have been waiting on electricity are having a tough time. Senior citizens say their apartment complex is sweltering until late Friday afternoon when they got power back.
Calvin Payne is one of many residents at Redemptorist Apartments without power, he said, "We were all in darkness, that was all you could see, was darkness. No lights anywhere."
He went on to say, "I was cooking some white beans and I was stirring the pot, I am standing up stirring the pot and all the lights went off... So now I got to throw them all out now."
According to Entergy New Orleans, “Restoration to this facility is in progress, and on track for today. Entergy’s goal is to have all senior living centers back online today.”
Payne said, "I slept in the dark last night, I had to crack the window to get some air."
The New Orleans Health Department said they are, "Aware of the situation and have been actively working with the building manager since before the storm. The complex has three buildings: two are without power, and one building does have power but the elevator was undergoing maintenance work before the storm and is out of service. We were told power should be restored by tonight. NOHD has been working with VOAD and the City Council to distribute ice and water and secure other necessary resources."
Outside, on the sidewalk, seated next to Calvin, is Delores Wilson. Wilson told WWL Louisiana, "Well I don't feel too pleasant because I usually be inside."
The pair say they're simply looking for some reprieve from the stifling air inside their units. "I like to look at TV, so now I have to come out here, I don't have no TV, I am not used to taking showers, cold showers, I have to have a flashlight to go into my house, to go into my bedroom, my bathroom," she said.
Angel Chung Cutno says she heard people were in need and she wanted to help, she said, "No one is asking for anything elaborate or extravagant, they're really just asking for basic things, they want a hot meal and they want their voices to be heard."
She went on to say, "I am from LaPlace. When LaPlace was hit by Hurricane Ida and I couldn't get in touch with my parents for a few days that was a really challenging and devastating experience, and I am just doing what I would want people for my parents."
So till the power comes back on, residents like Payne will grab a seat and sit outside. He said, "I'd rather be out here where it's cool, instead of being in the house where there's no air."
HRI Communities Leadership (the company that manages the property) said:
"We share in our residents' concern and the challenges created by Hurricane Francine. The days after a major storm are challenging to many, especially our senior population. We have been communicating daily with the City of New Orleans' emergency preparedness department, updating them on daily wellness checks on our residents with the loss of power experienced from the storm. We want to thank our partners at the City Health Department and local non-profits who have come together to help others when needed. We are grateful to Second Harvest for their partnership in providing food and water to our residents, and to our on-site courtesy staff available to assist residents on site. We especially want to thank the folks at Entergy that are currently at the site restoring power to the property and surrounding area. We are hopeful that Entergy will be successful in restoring power to our residents soon!"
According to Entergy as of 4:20 p.m. on Friday, power was restored at the complex.
