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Senior citizen battles rat infestation in Section 8 housing

By Paul Boyd
By Paul Boyd

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mecklenburg County Commissioner Pat Cotham sprang into action this week after a disabled senior citizen living in Section 8 housing called to say she was battling a rat infestation.

"The rat traps that she had were not big enough for the rats that she was seeing in her apartment. And that really took my breath away," Cotham said.

Cotham went to see the problem for herself and was shown pictures of five rats recently trapped and killed in the woman's apartment.

"She's a domestic violence victim and that's why she's disabled. And it just made me very sad," Cotham said, "She wasn't really asking for pity. She just wanted some bigger traps."

Cotham contacted the Charlotte Housing Authority and posted the disturbing rat pictures on Facebook. An anonymous donor stepped forward with money to buy new larger traps.

Channel 9's calls and emails to Charlotte's Housing Authority were not returned Wednesday but Cotham said she's been told officials are working to solve this specific problem with the landlord.

"I'm glad to say that she did get an inspector to come out today and that's a positive thing," Cotham said.

The woman with the rat problem did not want her apartment identified, fearing retribution.

Cotham said many people living in Section 8 housing are afraid to complain. They worry about ending up back on the street or in a shelter.

There's currently 13,000 people on a wait list for affordable housing in Charlotte.

"You can't solve a problem unless you acknowledge it," Cotham said.

Cotham said the government should be able to offer clean, safe and affordable housing to our most disadvantaged citizens.

She believes the city, county and state and all have a role.

"I don't think anyone body of government can solve it," Cotham said.

The woman who Cotham helped invited her for Thanksgiving Day dinner. Cotham accepted the invitation and hopes a permanent solution for the senior is at hand.

"Maybe we can get that solved so she can enjoy her remaining years without having to worry about catching rats in her apartment," Cotham said.

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