COLUMBUS, Ohio — The season of giving has a different meaning to Marc FeQuiere, who learned what's most important. You don’t give to receive, but you give because it’s the right thing to do.
"I am 100% determined to get the people the services that they deserve as human beings,” said FeQuiere, who's the founder and executive director of the Haitian Community Network.
It’s an organization that helps Haitians and different groups of people with resources.
His office lights stay on much longer than intended because of the people they’re helping. He’s currently accepting coats, jackets, and blankets to give to people.
“Seeing families with young children babies living in such conditions really broke my heart,” he said.
FeQuiere is serving as an interpreter for the City of Columbus as they help the 860 people, the majority from Haiti, who were brought to the Colonial Village Apartments seeking asylum.
The complex was declared a public nuisance in 2021 by the city.
"I believe there was human trafficking, I believe that with all of my heart,” said FeQuiere.
10TV has asked city officials if this is a case of human trafficking but we’re told they can’t comment on that at this time.
Earlier this week, the current management company placed a notice on doors, reading, ”Colonial Village is in need of extensive renovations that cannot be completed while anyone is occupying a unit at the apartment complex."
Hannah Jones, the deputy director of the Department of Development, said they’ve held numerous conversations with the lender, receiver and property manager.
"They have taken the position that beyond moderate repairs related to heat, they will not do any substantial repairs,” said Jones.
The city said they’re working to place the residents into temporary re-housing through the winter free of charge.
FeQuiere said he would ensure everyone has the help and resources they need.
"We have to make sure that this never happens again in Columbus," he said.