WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.-- More than 70 senior citizens had to find new places to live during the holidays. They were given until December 10 to move out of Joseph's Village assisted living facility which is closing this month. Executive director Joseph Brown said he's placed all but 5 residents who are expected to move into new places by the end of this week.
Brown said after WPTV aired a story about the facility closing in October, he was overwhelmed with calls from local assisted living facilities like Savannah Court and Windsor Court.
"You still have people out there who care," said Brown. "As of today I have a total of five residents left in the building and we should have them placed completely; the building should be empty by Friday."
Brown said about 10 to 15 residents moved into Joseph's Village's independent housing apartments. Some moved in as roommates because they have very limited incomes.
"I thought about it, then it would be half the pay, but I need my peace," said Evelyn Seymore, who used to live in the assisted living facility at Joseph's Village.
Seymore said she worked two jobs her whole life and is able to afford living in the independent housing, but the moving expenses and higher rent has limited her ability to celebrate this holiday season.
"I just can't do it, don't have it, it's not going to be a Christmas. I'm not putting up my Christmas tree," said Seymore.
Seymore said income is very limited this month and if there's one thing she wishes she could have with the friends who were also to stay and move to independent housing, is a holiday dinner.
"Here comes Christmas and we can't even go out and buy a special meal or anything," she said. "I hope 2019 will serve us something better."
Brown said there are also about 40 employees who are losing their jobs; nursing staff, dining staff. Even Brown himself says he will no longer work there once the ALF building closes down.