KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A day of emotional whiplash left more than 75 Cloverleaf apartment tenants scrambling for shelter after the Kansas City, Missouri, Fire Department abruptly shut down the complex Wednesday afternoon, giving residents 48 hours to leave.
This sudden displacement came just hours after a meeting where residents believed they had secured a path to a better future.
Morning Brings Hope, Afternoon Brings Chaos
Wednesday morning began with a sense of urgency and uncertainty.
Residents, many of them single mothers, lined up outside the Red Bridge Library seeking answers about their living situation. The Cloverleaf Apartments, ravaged by years of issues, including crime, pest infestations, mold, water main breaks, and accumulating trash, had been deemed unsafe by the federal government, prompting plans for relocation.
A closed-door meeting intended to provide reassurance for residents gave them hope.
"The meeting was actually one of the best things that could have happened for us," said Wendy Herd, a resident.
This was a stark contrast to the tenant's feelings of previously being kept in the dark.
"They gave us reassurance that they would help us move and they'd get on it ASAP," according to Amya Brown, another Cloverleaf resident.
KSHB 41 reporter Megan Abundis previously spoke with Amya Brown.
Tenants left the meeting feeling optimistic, envisioning a brighter future for themselves and their children.
"A more stable environment," Herd said.
Brown said she would be happy to enjoy summer with her kids and put her problems at the complex behind her.
Kryslynn Emmanuel expressed hope for her children.
They have been "dreaming of "their own room, couple of bathrooms, a nice kitchen layout, a nice neighborhood and perfect schools," Emmanauel said.
Adding to the positive momentum, the City of Kansas City, Missouri, Public Works cleared the safety hazard posed by mountains of trash that had accumulated at the complex.
"Now it's cleaned out," Emmanuel said.
Sudden Shutdown Shatters Plans
However, the sense of relief was short-lived.
Wednesday afternoon, the Kansas City Fire Department intervened, declaring the buildings immediately uninhabitable and moved the timeline for residents to leave to Friday at 4 p.m.
The sudden shutdown threw tenants' carefully-laid plans into disarray.
It left residents and HUD workers scrambling to find temporary housing and the daunting task of relocating on such short notice.
“They are in such poor shape, it’s not safe for individuals to be here,” KCFD Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins said. “Over the next 48 hours, all of the residents will have to relocate.”
Since the water was shut off to all of the buildings, KCFD said they would be bringing in portable restrooms, in addition to routine service patrols and staging in case of fire or other medical emergencies over the next two days.
Hopkins said the property owner was currently incarcerated, and the local on-site management is no longer operational.
“We’re out of water. It’s a lot of confusion. It’s a lot of emotion. It’s just too much to bear with right now,” said Gabrielle Lang.
“Everyone has to get their stuff out. It's not going to work. It’s a violent situation,” said Aliyah Turner. “They are offering hotels, but at the same time, we got kids. Is that enough space for them?”
Salt n’ Life Ministries and KCPAL said they would bring bottled water and pizza, and moving boxes to start to help residents.
Questions Remain
As residents navigate the move, questions remain about the immediate and long-term support they will receive.
While the morning meeting provided a sense of security, the abrupt shutdown has left many feeling vulnerable and uncertain about their future.
KSHB 41 News will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available.