Woman Counts on 8 for ceiling collapse

West Haven (WTNH) - One West Haven woman said she has been staying at a motel, because her ceiling gave way. And, that's only one of many problems.

Tamara Francis showed News Channel 8 the terrible conditions inside her West Haven apartment at the Rolling Ridge Complex.

Exposed beams could be seen in the ceiling.

Just two days before Christmas, as Francis was wrapping gifts, a pipe broke upstairs and the ceiling caved in.

"I almost had a nervous breakdown I didn't now what to do," said Francis.

This was the final straw.

For months she'd been dealing with flooding inside her apartment. She keeps her children's toys in plastic bags so they won't be ruined.

Welch: "When it rains what does it look like outside your apartment?"
Francis: "A swamp, a swamp land."

At the corners of the room, tiles have lifted. The tenant said it's because of the ongoing damage that continues to get worse.

So, News Channel 8 went to the management company for answers.

Welch: "Are you working to correct it?"
Jessica Laroque, of Rolling Ridge Complex: "Yes. We've had several contractors out here, as well as maintenance, on how we can work on the issue."

For now, Frances has been put up at a local hotel. She wants a new safe apartment for herself and her children who have asthma. But she claims the management company has been less than helpful even though they say they've made repeated offers for a new place.

Welch: "Would you move her if she agreed to move into an apartment?"
Laroque: "Yes. We would have moved her the day it happened if she agreed."

News Channel 8 went back to Francis to hear her side of things.

Welch: "She says right now they have a truck and they are willing to start packing up your stuff and you'll be comfortable."
Francis: "Yes, because Channel 8 is here. Of course they are going to do that."

Francis said she really likes living at Rolling Ridge. But because she receives Section 8 housing assistance, she's working with program reps to figure what she should do next.

She also wants the management company to reimburse her for the damage to her belongings.