Neighbors in the Pine Village North community were shocked Tuesday morning when they saw Harris Precinct 3 County police officers removing Mrs. Frances Jean Sanders and all her furniture from the streets. Panicked, she started calling others for help and a friend of hers, Martha Marie Preston, co-founder of Elite Ladies of Expression, took action. Preston contacted KPRC 2 and told us what was happening and our news crews headed to Saunders’s house. “I was told to go out and I did and they did not let me go back. “I was told they had to take me out,” Saunders said. “I said, ‘Oh Lord,’ but I did what they asked me to do.” Items belonging to Mrs. Saunders placed outside (KPRC) Saunders explained that she has lived in her home for more than 40 years, since 1981. She explained that her homeowners and maintenance costs $ 168 a month, but she could not keep up with the payments because she has a steady income and, very moreover, it does not feel that the HOA is doing anything to be worth its money. one D “We do not have annual, monthly meetings,” he said. “How can I pay for something I do not get? “They have not built our roads or anything.” Authorities said the house was sold for $ 18,000 in September due to non-payment of fees and the eviction process was legal. Despite the legal back and forth, temperatures in the Houston area are soaring. With Saunders confined to a wheelchair and 71 years old, it was a safety concern left in the countryside next to her belongings. “There seems to be no compassion for the poor,” said T. Leon Preston II, a senior pastor at Yale Street Baptist Church. “If there was, there would be more entities that would provide resources to people in distress.” KPRC 2 telephoned Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who asked a question, “Which police officers are on the scene?” Less than an hour later, Jackson Lee called KPRC 2 with an update. “Her belongings are placed back in her house.” one D “I am definitely grateful to Channel 2 for approaching our office while sitting in the sun burning in a wheelchair. Obviously, no compassion, no understanding. “The movers come on the orders of a new owner who does not even know they exist,” said the MP. “I am also grateful to Officer (Sherman) Eagleton who was quite compassionate, who was really acting on a court order he had made and Mrs Saunders did not even know it existed.” And while part of the story sounds like relief, another part shows that much more needs to be done. It turns out that Saunders lived in inappropriate conditions. Her house had no air, it was collapsing and, as a disabled woman with little help, it was extremely cluttered. While her furniture was being returned inside the house, Saunders could not stay there for security reasons. “Not even in a million years would I think he would live in these conditions. “She always helps others in the community,” said Martha Preston. “Think about it, since COVID hit, neither of us have really been to each other’s house in the last two years. “But now, we will do whatever it takes to get her back on her feet.” one D City officials and other community leaders are leading the way. “I see this as a reason for my office. “Number one – to answer this question with the US Department of Housing because it is particularly concerned with housing in urban and troubled neighborhoods,” said Jackson Lee. “One of our highest priorities is to protect our children and our families, and yes, our elderly citizens.” Captain Lewis, of District 3, said Officer Eagleton and Pastor Stearns with the Living Water International Apostolic Ministry made living arrangements for Mrs. Sanders. He will live temporarily in a nursing home until they find a more permanent solution. Saunders’ nephew, knowing he wanted to stay in the house he had lived in for the past four decades, said he was looking for ways to help with the house purchase. A spokeswoman for District 3 said she has the option to buy the house back at the price at which it was sold, plus 18 percent. one D “This is the call of God. Sometimes you have to go out to come back. “Any disappointment can be turned into a blessing,” said Martha Preston. “Now she can get the help she needs for herself.” Saunders is grateful for those who intervened to help, especially the elected official who is known to fight tirelessly for others. “Sheila Jackson Lee. “He told them to put it back on and that is all I know,” Saunders said. “I am just happy to be here. That’s all I can say. “ Copyright 2022 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.
