HOUSTON - For the last few months, Council Member Flickinger has been working with Edgebrook Community Leaders, Precinct 2 Constable Jerry Garcia, the Houston Police Department, and the City of Houston Department of Neighborhoods to help clean up a vacant house, squatters had taken over.

The problem began last summer when the resident of the home passed away without a last will and testament. Soon after that, the home was inhabited by homeless individuals. Over the last 6-8 months the property started overflowing with trash and became a haven for illegal dumping while several individuals lived on the premises.

Constable Garcia's Office was able to locate a relative of the deceased property owner and receive a signed "No Trespassing" affidavit. This past Tuesday, the Department of Neighborhoods completed their abatement of the property. Constable Garcia enforced the No Trespassing Affidavit, recently filed for the property, and had the squatters removed.

This was an incredible display of collaboration across multiple agencies and departments spearheaded by the Edgebrook Community Leaders. A special thank you to Constable Jerry Garcia, the Houston Police Department, and the Department of Neighborhoods for their assistance in resolving this issue and making the community safer.

This issue also highlights the importance of maintaining a last will and testament that will help to erase ambiguity surrounding property rights after the owner has passed away. Council Member Flickinger is working with the Department of Neighborhoods to provide Wills Clinics throughout the communities in District E to ensure access to necessary resources. There will be more information coming soon once the dates and locations have been finalized.

If you have a home in your neighborhood that is occupied by squatters please contact the District E office. This will enable District E staff to make sure the appropriate departments are working to resolve the issue and help track the status.

For more information, please contact the District E office at (832) 393-3008 or via email at districte@houstontx.gov.

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