Senior citizens left without heat at Waynesburg complex

WAYNESBURG, Pa. — As some of the coldest weather so far this season sets in, senior citizens at a low-income housing complex in Waynesburg are dealing with a lack of heat.

Workers arrived at the apartments on West Lincoln Street Friday to get the heat back on in all of the units, but they ran into some issues.

Ultimately only one unit out of 12 had its heat restored, with the remaining 11 expected to be fixed Monday.

Residents of the complex said they’re just grateful for all of the help.

Shirley Hall has lived at the Waynesburg apartment on West Lincoln Street, a home for seniors and people with disabilities, for eight years. She said she loves the historic home but added that it does come with a price.

“A couple years ago, we didn't have heat for two weeks. Now that was cold,” said Hall.

This week, and for the second time this year, the heat went out in about half of the apartments.

Workers with Community Action Southwest, a group dedicated to helping seniors, came in and set up cots. The building’s owner, Maine-based Stanford Management, provided space heaters.

The complex is a former elementary school and residents said it’s more than 100 years old.

Resident Pat Mathason attended seventh grade in the building and thanked everyone who helped keep at the tenants warm this week.

“I think they did very well,” said Mathason.

However, others said they hope management can do better.

Stanford Management said they believe all of the apartments will have working heat Monday.