USA: Church reveals role in evictions of elderly

. SARASOTA, Florida (HeraldTribune.com), August 29, 2008: By Kate Spinner The Venice Diocese acknowledged Thursday that it is the buyer in a real estate deal forcing the relocation of several elderly and disabled residents from a small downtown apartment complex. The diocese is acquiring the eight-unit property at 500 W. Venice Ave. to expand housing for low-income mothers with infants, it said in a prepared statement. Earlier, the church had refused to confirm that it was buying the property. The statement Thursday did not claim responsibility for a requirement that the complex's residents move out quickly because of the sale. Residents had received letters on August 6 informing them they had 30 days to move because the buyer of the property wanted it vacant before closing. "We are saddened to learn some elderly persons have been having difficulty with their move," the diocese statement said. "Relocation under these circumstances is always difficult, but it can be much more difficult for elderly persons who may struggle with disability and separation for their neighbors and friends." Most of the residents have found new homes, said Mary Nixon, 82, a tenant at the property for 16 years. "It's time for me to move on; I don't know about the rest of the people," said Nixon, who contended the church should have given residents 60 days to move, rather than the minimum 30 days required by law. Owners Steve and Julie Carr would not disclose the intended buyer. The diocese had refused to acknowledge its interest on the grounds that its policy is not to discuss property it does not own. But in disclosing its role Thursday, the diocese said, "We are concerned about the people who live there" and explained the rationale behind the purchase. The land is located near Our Mother's House, a home run by Catholic Charities that helps single mothers with babies learn the skills necessary to live healthy lives on their own. The new site would provide more transitional housing. The diocese said it had been told that the complex's tenants received relocation assistance from the Carrs and that "no one was experiencing challenges in moving within the requested time frame." After an article about the sale in Thursday's Herald-Tribune, the diocese said the church had asked the owners to give anyone having trouble more time to move. Copyright © 2008 HeraldTribune.com