Temporary Housing Running Out For Ramos Court Residents

More than a month after water from the Franklin Canal devastated her home and swept up her belongings, Brenda Navejas can’t help but to get choked up.

“My biggest wish is to come back to my home,” she said through tears.

Navejas is one of 12 families from the Ramos Court neighborhood who are still displaced after a breached levee forced them from their homes early last month.

Many of the houses still have extensive damage, and some will have to be rebuilt.

“The city inspector told me my house doesn’t have a foundation anymore,” said Navejas.

For about a month, the city of El Paso has been helping the Ramos Court residents by footing the bill for temporary housing at a hotel. However, funds for that housing are set to expire Saturday.

“The city told us their funds are running out very quickly,” said Ana Espinoza, a community representative. “We understand. It’s not the city’s responsibility.”

It’s actually the responsibility of the El Paso County Water Improvement District Number One to deal with the fallout from the flooding. General Manager Jesus Reyes said its insurance company, The Hartford Insurance, is still reviewing claims. ABC-7 spoke with a representative who would not answer any questions regarding when the Ramos residents may be able to go back home or whether it will help pay for alternative temporary housing. The representative only confirmed Hartford currently evaluating the liability claims filed by the Water Improvement District last month.

El Paso’s deputy city manager could not confirm by deadline whether the city will extend their temporary housing.

Meanwhile, Navejas just wishes the process would speed up.

“It’s frustrating, and on a daily basis, I’m just praying to God, ‘I hope today there’s good news,'” said Navejas.