CLEVELAND — The more than 100 residents of Terrace Towers Apartments in East Cleveland who were impacted by the fire earlier this week have been moved to a new shelter.
On Wednesday, the residents were moved via RTA from the Salvation Army East Cleveland Corps Community Center to the Sherman House dormitory on the campus of Case Western Reserve University.
“We’re grateful for the partnership with the Salvation Army and their willingness to provide a space for the residents to stay the last two nights,” said Emily Probst, a regional disaster officer for American Red Cross of Northern Ohio. “Because of prior commitments, the facility is no longer available as a shelter location. We’re pleased that Case Western Reserve University has offered to provide dormitory space to the residents.”
But the future of the people who were displaced — numbering 120, according to the Red Cross — remains unclear.
"I got a home and can't go to it," says resident Nikki Thomas. "I'm homeless, but I'm not homeless."
Three days after the fire, a security guard watches over the homes that residents like Thomas pay for.
"They tell us we can't go into our apartment because of the fumes. 'We gonna go into your apartment for you.' Make it make sense. We can't go, but you can?" Thomas says.
"I'm hurt. I'm sad that I have to leave my cat and my personal belongings," adds fellow resident Mia Weekly. "It's hard. You know it's hard for me. I cry, but I ain't got more cry left."
The American Red Cross says trained volunteers and staff will continue to provide for the needs of the residents at the new shelter location until the residents are able to return to their homes.
Just when will that be? 3News reached out to the Terrace Tower Apartments for comment, but did not hear back. Residents tell us they haven't heard from management either.
Meanwhile, East Cleveland City Council President Juanita Gowdy is concerned about the future for these residents. "I don't think it's going to be this month. I really don't. Don't nobody work that fast."
Some residents told 3News on Wednesday that its likely that they won't be able to get back into their apartments for at least three to four weeks.
