In Puerto Rico, the Department of Housing presented 85-year-old María Magdalena Ortiz Rosado with options for public housing or residential alternatives, as she faces eviction from her home of 27 years in the Roosevelt neighborhood, San Juan. Ortiz Rosado’s lawyer, Sofía Vázquez Laureano, confirmed that her client is interested in the options but has not yet accepted any.
The Department of Housing’s secretary, Luis Augusto Martínez Román, stated that the agency is working to resolve the case as quickly as possible and is assisting Ortiz Rosado with the necessary documentation. The Municipality of San Juan has also provided support, including a refrigerator, furniture, and a $500 voucher for personal items, as well as an additional $500 to help pay an electricity debt.
Vivienda has coordinated with non-profit organizations to donate appliances and furniture. The case began in April when the San Juan Court ruled in favor of the property owner, Jeannette Negrón Ramírez, ordering Ortiz Rosado’s eviction and payment of $3,130 in back rent. The eviction was suspended, and the Department of Family and the Office of the Elderly Person’s Advocate were asked to intervene.