Residents of Richmond are raising urgent concerns about living conditions at the Bacon Retirement Community, highlighting issues such as lack of heat, hot water, and persistent flooding. During a recent city council meeting, a community advocate shared her father's distress over these conditions, revealing that he had been without hot water for nearly a month and resorted to heating his apartment with a stove.

The advocate, along with other residents, expressed frustration over the management's slow response to maintenance requests. A community meeting scheduled for January 31 was abruptly canceled, leaving many residents without a platform to voice their grievances. Tensions escalated when a resident recorded an encounter with the property manager, who allegedly threatened to call the police during a discussion about unresolved issues.

In response to the ongoing problems, residents organized a peaceful protest, drawing support from community members and faith leaders. They reported a range of issues, including inadequate heating, flooding, pest infestations, and a lack of proper maintenance protocols. Some residents feared retaliation for speaking out, particularly those with disabilities.

Following the protest, one resident was barred from the premises without explanation, raising further concerns about management practices. A subsequent meeting with city council members and property management was held, but many concerned family members and friends were excluded from participating.

The situation at Bacon Retirement Community has prompted calls for a thorough inspection of the property to ensure that residents are living in safe and habitable conditions. The community is seeking accountability and improvements to address these pressing issues, emphasizing the need for better communication and maintenance protocols to protect vulnerable residents.