PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — It’s been two weeks since a new property management company took over a Pinellas County senior living community and residents are voicing their frustrations to 8 On Your Side.

They were forced to evacuate from their assisted and independent living facility for Hurricane Helene, but five weeks later, they are still not allowed to return home.

The property management company said the hurricanes caused significant damage to The Barclay at Pasadena and it’s unsafe to enter. But residents feel they’re in limbo and don’t known when they will have a sense of normalcy.

Edwin Renkowicz, 93, is settling into his new home.

“I have enough to get by, but there’s a lot of things left there that I hope to get someday or re-compensated for the loss,” said Renkowicz.

He had been living at The Barclay at Pasadena, formerly known as Elance,  until residents evacuated before Helene, to a sister property in Sarasota.

“We had five men in one room, a large room, but only one shower and two toilet toilets I believe, but sleeping on an army cots,” said Renkowicz.

Days later ahead of Milton, Alison Lescarveau evacuated her father to family in Massachusetts, while she scrambled to find him a new place to live.

“At this age change is very difficult, but change under duress has caused overwhelming stress,” said Lescarveau.

Lescarveau said once a new company, QSLM, took over October 15th and told residents they would not be able to move back in until after 2025, she broke her dad’s lease.

“We’ve already spent $5000 and we’re just lucky we could do it, but I really expect restitution to him for that money,” said Lescarveau.

Edwin had to leave his valuables behind, including his important documents, headsets and clothing, but thankfully recovered this photo of his late wife.

“There’s been no communication with families as to when they can get back in, and if they can get back in, but honestly, the biggest problem has been the lack of ability to get personal property,” said Lescarveau.

But QSLM said they have been in “regular touch with their residents over phone, email and social media channels.”

In a statement from Chief Growth Officer Leland Rice to 8 On Your Side, Rice said: “Hurricanes Helene and Milton were acts of God that caused extensive damage to the property then known as The Elance at Pasadena, rendering the buildings uninhabitable. Our hearts go out to all those affected by these devastating natural disasters, and we recognize and understand the uncertainty and frustration our residents are feeling.”

Rice continued to write: “since QSLM assumed management of the building just 15 days ago on October 15th, after the hurricanes and the evacuation overseen by the previous operator, we have:

• Helped evacuated residents arrange the most comfortable residential accommodations available for them and made more residences available for evacuated residents.

• Set up dedicated 24/7 call centers and hosted multiple town hall meetings.

• Arranged third-party social services and been in touch with local agencies to provide additional resources to evacuated residents.

“As a result of the severe damage, we are prohibited from allowing public access to the building. Our staff has been trained to enter the building and retrieve residents’ personal items on their behalf, and we have already completed a large number of these retrievals,” said Rice. “Since the elevators are not functioning at the 21-story property and electricity has not been restored, we are unable to safely retrieve any larger items, such as furniture, from residences at this time. We have been working around the clock to begin repairing the extensive damage so that residents can safely return, and authorized contractors must enter the units to assess and begin repairs.”

For families like Edwin Renkowicz’s who chose to terminate their lease, QSLM said their furniture and belongings can remain in the community until safe arrangements can be made for retrieval.

“I’m hoping for the best for everybody that they stay healthy and get back to normal someday,” said Renkowicz.

Edwin’s family said they plan to file complaints with the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration and the Attorney General’s Office. QSLM said it is not aware of any investigations which have been launched as a result of this matter.

When 8 On Your Side reached out to ACHA, they said they would get back to us as soon as possible.