East Austin church seeks time to fund and repair Ebenezer Senior Housing after inspectors cite hazards

Representatives of Ebenezer Senior Housing and the East Austin Economic Development Corporation told the Building and Standards Commission on July 22 that the nonprofit lacks the funds to complete needed repairs after city inspectors documented structural and maintenance problems at the 12‑unit facility.

Inspector Hayden Aston presented photographs and a history of inspections showing water damage, missing fascia and shingles, collapsed unit storage ceilings, damaged overhangs, and possible infestation. "This property is a public and an attractive nuisance and is considered substandard with hazardous conditions," staff said in recommending the commission require permits and repairs within 45 days and assess penalties (up to $1,000 per week for multifamily structures) after day 46 if not corrected.

Ria Griffin, chair of the East Austin Economic Development Corporation, said the nonprofit operates the senior housing (12 units, about 700 square feet each) and currently houses eight residents with an average rent of about $565 a month. She said the corporation is operating at a roughly $13,000 deficit in 2026, has no line of credit, and is pursuing a city low‑interest loan and other grants; the organization asked the commission for an extension to December to pursue financing and complete an application.

Residents and representatives said some exterior work has been done but interior storage units and shared systems need repair; a resident who lives in Apartment 10 said maintenance and on‑site services have declined. Commissioners said they want to see concrete milestones—funding applications, permit filings, and visible progress on repairs—before extending the timeline further. The commission voted to continue the case to October and asked staff to provide guidance and milestones the owner should meet when the case returns.