East Cleveland apartment complex residents displaced after fire compromises building

EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – More than 100 people are without a home or any of their belongings after a fire at a local apartment building.

Since that fire broke out around 2 p.m. Monday afternoon, tenants have been forced to stay outside.

Residents at the Terrace Towers Apartment Complex are being placed at a Salvation Army emergency shelter.

Officials with the Salvation Army say over 100 families and individuals were displaced after a fire made the building uninhabitable.

The Salvation Army in East Cleveland is working with The American Red Cross to open their Corps as an emergency shelter to house those impacted by the fire.

Bathrooms, clothing vouchers, meals and coffee are being made available to victims of the fire, officials say.

Some displaced tenants tried to get their things from the building Tuesday, but we’re told it’s shut down.

“We’re trying to find out, what are we going to do now?” said Charnold Malone, a displaced tenant of Terrace Towers. “Because we’re not able to get our clothes, hygiene things, what are we supposed to do? Who has the money to go rebuy things they already have?”

Another tenant 19 News spoke to slept on a bench outside.

That’s where Pastor Dollye Finney comes in from Omega Baptist Church.

The church is putting up displaced families in hotel rooms across the city, as well providing food and resources.

“We wanted to make sure we do as much as we can,” said Pastor Finney. “But we’re an urban church, so we’re limited in our funding. But my congregation is generous and would do anything so right now we’re providing these two nights. I dont’ know what will happen next.”

Neither do any of the displaced families, trying to plan for what’s next.

Malone and her husband say they haven’t heard anything from Terrace Towers

We called ourselves, and got a standard message.

Tenants say they’re hoping for answers before its convenient for building management, and before their resources run out.

Omega Baptist Church has been working hand in hand with city council members to help out tenants, but they say they haven’t heard a word from the mayor.

We tried him too, but also didn’t have any luck.

For those displaced, Pastor Finney suggests contacting theomegabaptistchurch@gmail.com.

You can also call the Salvation Army at (216) 249-4334 or visit SalvationArmyCleveland.org.

For those who’d like to help displaced families through Omega Baptist Church, Pastor Finney also suggests contacting theomegabaptistchurch@gmail.com. They will speak with people one-on-one to determine the best way to help.

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