Omaha organization connects majority of evicted Legacy tenants with assistance

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Legacy Commons Apartments is now in the hands of a new commercial management company.

The City of Omaha handed the apartment complex over to Omaha-based Access Commercial at 3 p.m. Wednesday, according to a news release from the mayor’s office. Company representatives were planning to be on-site every day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Sundays, and provided a 24/7 phone number and email contact for tenants.

Earlier on Wednesday, the mayor’s office said that Vukota Real Estate, the previous owner based in Colorado, had placed the property into receivership. Access Commercial had planned to take over the property after the remaining apartments had been checked for occupants or vacancy. Eleven more were also in the process of securing new rental homes.

Heartland Family Services said Wednesday morning that the first family of those evicted from Legacy Crossing earlier this week had moved into new permanent housing and that others were in the process of doing so.

HFS said that 154 of the estimated 162-165 households have been connected to some form of assistance. Each family was connected to an HFS caseworker to help them find a new place to live.

Omaha officials had told residents Monday morning at Legacy Crossing, in the northwest part of the city, that they needed to relocate because of safety concerns. Omaha Fire and housing inspectors began Monday morning relocating residents at the apartment complex, due to “severe fire and housing code violations.”

According to the release, city inspectors were able to get into all 408 apartment units at Legacy Crossing, confirming that all but four tenants had been in touch with Heartland Family Services.

“It is assumed a few residents chose to make arrangements without needing assistance,” the release states.

NEED HELP? Legacy Crossing residents in need of assistance finding housing were advised to contact Heartland Family Service at 531-721-7401. Those who wish to offer assistance or volunteer are asked not to call this number so that it can remain open for those needing help.

WANT TO HELP? Those who would like to volunteer or offer other sorts of assistance are asked to reach out online or call 402-552-7418. You can also make a donation to HFS or to Legacy Crossing residents via the Omaha Community Foundation.

Broken windows were expected to be boarded up by Wednesday night, and new locks will be put on exterior doors, the mayor’s office release states. In the meantime, security personnel were expected to remain on premises 24/7 until further notice.

HSF planned to vacate the premises Wednesday and return Monday, and possibly again on Tuesday.

Also on Wednesday afternoon, the Omaha Community Foundation reported that they had collected $141,680 in donations to the Legacy Crossing Emergency Relief Fund as of 3:15 p.m.

“Recovering from this major life disruption is going to be a long process for many of the displaced individuals and families, and the Omaha Community Foundation will continue to provide support through our partners as long as there is need,” OCF said in an emailed update.

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