A disturbing situation has unfolded for residents of a Houston senior apartment complex, where non-functioning elevators have left many, including a former Houston Oilers player, facing profound daily challenges and a sense of being trapped within their own homes. This growing elevator crisis has turned routine activities into daunting, sometimes dangerous, ordeals for the elderly population, highlighting critical issues in urban infrastructure and resident safety within housing facilities.
At the heart of this unfolding predicament is Bobby Simon, a former Houston Oiler, whose battle with the broken elevators has become a poignant symbol of the residents’ plight. Simon, who relies on regular dialysis treatments, now endures the arduous task of being carried up three flights of stairs by medics in his wheelchair, a direct consequence of both elevators being out of service—one for approximately a week, and the other for nearly a year. This persistent malfunction underscores a severe lapse in basic living standards for vulnerable seniors.
The stark contrast between Simon’s past and present is particularly striking. Once a formidable presence on the football field, drafted by the NFL from Grambling State University in 1976, his former agility has been replaced by reliance on others for basic mobility within his own residence. The walls of his apartment, adorned with photographs from his football days, serve as a silent testament to a life of athletic achievement now overshadowed by an unexpected and debilitating housing crisis.
The suffering extends beyond Simon. Second-floor resident Edna Butler echoes the sentiment of desperation, explaining how the broken elevators have made her “everyday life painful.” Her plea for answers from apartment management and relevant authorities emphasizes that this is not an isolated incident but a widespread issue impacting the quality of life and dignity of numerous senior living residents.
In an attempt to secure solutions, KHOU 11 News reached out to both the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Retirement Housing Foundation (RHF) via email and phone. Despite these efforts, as of Saturday night, no response had been received from either organization, further intensifying concerns about accountability and the urgency of the situation for those advocating for housing rights.
Residents did receive a letter from apartment management on Friday, acknowledging the elevator company is working on repairs. However, the letter’s note that “the process will take time” has done little to alleviate the frustration and fear among residents like Simon, who feel this response is insufficient given the prolonged nature of the elevator crisis and the immediate threat to resident safety and well-being.
As this critical housing advocacy story develops, KHOU 11 remains committed to pushing for answers and immediate solutions for the residents of Creekbend Gardens. The ongoing struggle faced by these seniors, including a respected NFL player, serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust urban infrastructure maintenance and vigilant oversight to protect the most vulnerable members of our society in Houston and beyond.
