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HIGH POINT — High Point University and the federal government came to the rescue of senior citizens Thursday, telling them they wouldn’t be rushed from their home.

Last week the owners of Wesleyan Homes , a government-subsidized apartment complex for seniors, told the building’s 80 residents that the property had been sold. Residents were given four to six months to leave before the complex was converted to student housing for HPU.

Many of the 80 residents — on fixed incomes and not yet part of a federal housing vouchers program — said that wasn’t enough time.

On Thursday, Don Scarborough , HPU’s vice president for community relations , said college officials were so upset to hear of the problem that they’ve halted the sale.

Scarborough said the deal is unacceptable if it means the owner of Wesleyan Homes, Providence Place, displaces the seniors.

HPU won’t take possession until residents have all found good housing — however long that takes.

“Prior to the sale of the property, the university was not aware of all the issues that these residents would have to confront,” Scarborough said. “High Point University cares deeply about these individuals, and we want to ensure that their needs will be met satisfactorily. We want to be as cooperative as possible with these residents and their families.”

The remaining parcel of the15.5-acre site in the sales agreement still could be turned over to HPU as scheduled, Scarborough said.

Providence Place officials did not return calls seeking comment Thursday.

The company has previously said it would assist Wesleyan residents in finding new homes but has said it could not provide them with housing.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development also stepped in Thursday. The department has been using federal money to subsidize the residents’ rent at Wesleyan Homes.

HUD officials said federal law entitles the residents to housing for 12 months after they are informed of a sale.

“HUD was just notified in the last few days that Providence Place intended to sell the property,” said Joe Phillips, regional affairs officer for HUD’s Southeast operations . “Those residents don’t have to go anywhere for 12 months . That’s just the law.”

HUD is organizing a meeting with the residents to be sure they know their rights, Phillips said.

He also said the department is committed to making sure every resident is enrolled in a federal program for housing vouchers within those 12 months.

According to HUD records, Providence Place renewed its contract with HUD regarding Wesleyan Homes just three months ago, about the time the company was in talks to sell the property. Phillips said that five-year contract is still in place.

Wesleyan residents said Providence Place has called a mandatory meeting Monday to discuss the sale.

“I think it’s good news that High Point University stepped up in all this,” said Steve Cashman , whose 92-year-old mother lives at Wesleyan.

“And it’s good to know that the people at HUD are going to be sure what’s done is right.”

Contact Joe Killian at 373-7023 or joe.killian@news-record.com