Concerns Raised About Habitat for Humanity Homes in Fla.

Residents of a Habitat for Humanity development in Jacksonville, Fla., say the charity has not responded to complaints that houses it built have cracked walls, mold, rodent infestations, and other problems, reports The New York Times.

More than 50 residents of the development, called Fairway Oaks, have reported problems and say that the land the homes were built on is unstable and that it lies next to two former town dumps.

Habitat for Humanity stands by the quality of the homes, saying that construction was done by professionals and that houses have increased in value. Furthermore, the charity states that the problems stem not from poor construction but from lack of proper maintenance.

Mary Kay O’Rourke, president of HabiJax, the organization’s local affiliate, said her group has resolved or is working on 25 of 36 complaints residents have made.

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