Refugees forced to flee apartment after electricity and heat fail

In late November, Foibe Nibitanga spoke clearly and calmly about the challenges her family faced since arriving in Kansas City. On Sunday, her assertive demeanor had disappeared. With a handful of her eight children pouncing on an old couch beside her, Nibitanga’s words were quiet and her eyes were wet.

The Burundian family is among the hundreds of refugees resettled by Jewish Vocational Service using government dollars. By JVS’ own admission, money is tight and the organization is challenged to make ends meet for the large number of newcomers. The first few weeks, Nibitanga told The Pitch, her family suffered food shortages, wasn’t taken for medical screenings and feared for their security after a relative was injured during an attempted burglary of their Prospect Avenue apartment. (Officials at JVS insist Nibitanga was given all necessary provisions and services.)

On Sunday, she was even more fearful. Last week, she says, the lights went dark and the heat petered out in their apartment. Making her even more anxious: JVS officials told her that, from here on out, she’s on her own when it comes to paying her bills.