Refugees Struggle with Substandard Housing in Akron

Refugees compare conditions at Summit Ridge apartments to a 'third world country', raising concerns about Akron's commitment to being a 'welcoming community'.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:04am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a dilapidated apartment interior with broken appliances and fixtures, conveying a sense of neglect and instability through muted tones of gray, brown, and blue.Refugees in Akron face substandard housing conditions that undermine the city's promise of being a 'welcoming community'.Akron Today

Refugees living in the Towers at Summit Ridge apartment complex in Akron have turned to the courts to put their rent in escrow due to issues like broken heating, refrigerators, stoves, and plumbing, as well as repeated break-ins. Residents like Pablo Paredes from Ecuador and Jheymi Rodriguez-Cruz from Nicaragua have described the living conditions as akin to a 'third world country', raising questions about Akron's ability to live up to its reputation as a 'welcoming community' for immigrants.

Why it matters

Akron has positioned itself as a 'welcoming community' for refugees and immigrants, but the substandard housing conditions experienced by some of these vulnerable residents undermine that promise. The city must balance development with ensuring quality, affordable housing, especially for those who have already endured instability and loss in their home countries.

The details

Seven refugees living at the Towers at Summit Ridge apartment complex have taken legal action to withhold rent until repairs are made to their units, which have issues like broken heating, refrigerators, stoves, and plumbing, as well as repeated break-ins. Residents like Pablo Paredes and Jheymi Rodriguez-Cruz have described the living conditions as akin to a 'third world country'. The International Institute, which helped the refugees find housing at Summit Ridge, is now working to relocate them to better accommodations.

  • In late March 2026, refugees living at Summit Ridge filed a court case to put their rent in escrow until repairs are made.
  • Earlier this week, refugees described the poor living conditions at Summit Ridge to reporters.

The players

Pablo Paredes

A refugee from Ecuador who has been living at the Towers at Summit Ridge apartment complex in Akron.

Jheymi Rodriguez-Cruz

A 28-year-old new mother from Nicaragua who is a resident of the Towers at Summit Ridge and fears for the safety of herself and her 2-month-old daughter due to break-in attempts.

Daniel Torma

The director of resettlement and social services for the International Institute, which helped the refugees find housing at Summit Ridge.

Lynn Clark

An attorney who has commented that Akron's housing problems revolve around both affordability and quality.

Amaya Phelps

A resident of the troubled Spring Hill Apartments in Akron, where she lives with her 4-year-old son in an apartment with mold issues.

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What they’re saying

“Living at Summit Ridge is like 'living in a third world country'.”

— Pablo Paredes, Refugee from Ecuador

“I fear for the safety of myself and my 2-month-old daughter, Cheymi.”

— Jheymi Rodriguez-Cruz, 28-year-old new mother from Nicaragua

What’s next

The city of Akron is working with landlords at the Summit Ridge apartment complex to resolve the issues in a timely manner, while the International Institute is working to find new homes for the affected refugees.

The takeaway

Akron's reputation as a 'welcoming community' for refugees and immigrants is undermined by the substandard housing conditions experienced by some of its most vulnerable residents. The city must strike a better balance between development and ensuring quality, affordable housing, especially for those who have already endured instability and loss in their home countries.