The building is located at 1204 Shakespeare Avenue in the High Bridge section.
It does not have a second exit in case there is a fire.
"That's why they told us we have to leave. Fire escapes are like practically falling off on the first floor," evacuated resident Melvin Cruz said.
Jordan Humphrey from the American Red Cross said, "Currently we have 42 people checked in requesting assistance. The attempt is being made to transition everybody to hotels."
There is no word on when the residents will be allowed back into their homes.
