The residents of Bellerive senior housing complex in southern Houston did not think it could get any worse after a fire raged through their building last November.  They were forced to leave and find temporary homes.  Now, four months later, they have been told that their belongings may never be recovered. 

The fire released asbestos that is now contaminating at least 61 units.  Because the material is hardly visible in small quantities, it is likely that a thin layer of asbestos is covering most of the apartments.  The cost to remove the asbestos-- an estimated $3400-- is too much for most residents to afford.

The landlord, Houston Housing Authority, insists that removal fees are not covered by their insurance.  Nevertheless, all residents are in agreement: they want to return to the place they knew as home.  Next week, the residents will meet with a cleanup company to see if they can negotiate a lower price to remove the asbestos from their belongings.