In the midst of an operation to save the devastated island of Haiti, the Ottawa community launched a recovery effort of its own last week after a raging fire damaged a Glebe apartment building, which housed some Carleton students, beyond repair.
Everyone safely escaped the building and no injuries have been reported, said Pierre Savary, public information officer with Ottawa Fire Services. However, he said those who lived in the three-story complex have a long road of recovery ahead.
“It is traumatizing, they’ve lost everything they have,” said George Dicker, the disaster management co-ordinator at the Canadian Red Cross.
“The roof is gone on one side, the front is affected, the floors have collapsed, it’s not reparable,” Savary said.
The community is answering the call for help. Some have opened up their homes, the Red Cross and Salvation Army are providing supplies and the Glebe Community Centre has opened up a recovery fund for those affected by the blaze.
Madeleine Franken, a second-year student, opened up her house for two friends that lived in the building.
“It’s the least we can do, I’m glad that we can help and I feel really good that we can accommodate them,” she said.
“People had nowhere to go, and need help to start rebuilding their lives again,” Dicker said.
Those who lived in the apartment are staying in nearby hotels provided by the Red Cross, or with family and friends, he said.
“We are providing temporary lodging, meals, clothing, emotional support and referrals to long term [assistance],” Dicker said.
The fire marshall has not determined the cause for the blaze as of Jan. 20, but estimates $1.75 million in damages to the building and another $750,000 in damage to its contents, Savary said.
Nobody has been able to enter the building, and it is going to be torn down, Savary said.