The next request was not person specific, but program centered. Melinda requested help to buy a “bed bug treatment tent”. While APSE can wash clothing, bedding, linens, etc. and Landlords will pay and provide spraying of apartments and furniture, they will not de-bug items such as TVs, electronics, air conditioners, microwaves/appliances and framed photographs that often house these bugs.
APSW cannot treat non-washable items that mean so much for our clients (electronics, books, pictures, small furniture, shoes/boots, etc) and they can’t move people into locations, and cause bed bug infestations. People can not afford to just throw these things out and replace them on their very limited budgets. Plus the emotional attachment that these items bring really helps them survive day to day. Landlords are also now using improper preparation as an “evictable” reason as it infringes on the enjoyment of other tenants in the building.
The committee decided to buy the bed bug eliminating device for approximately $655 on the condition that if the association wants to borrow it at any time, it will be available to us.