Relief organizations provide assistance for Forest Arms residents

Relief organizations provide assistance for Forest Arms residents
Short- and long-term shelters are being sought for the apartment complex's residents
Ashley Woods
Issue date: 2/6/08 Section: News


EDITOR'S NOTE: To view more photos, visit thesouthendnews.com/fire

A five-alarm fire that erupted in the Forest Arms Apartments early this morning destroyed the roof and much of the fourth floor of the 72-apartment complex. Several local relief organizations were on hand to assist residents and first responders to the scene.

George Aren is the director of disaster services at the Salvation Army's Eastern Michigan Division. As a Detroit Fire Department chaplain, he was called to the scene of the fire at 4:45 a.m. He said the fire was "burning heavy" by the time he arrived, and the roof was already ablaze.

"The fire department always calls us when they're fighting a three-alarm fire in the city," he said.

Aren said the Salvation Army works hand-in-hand with the American Red Cross to provide emergency services to displaced victims. His first service, he said, was to serve food to residents, police, paramedics and firefighters from the red Salvation Army van.

"We served hot chocolate, coffee, rolls, treats, and water," he said. "We cooked up some hot dogs later in the morning."

Aren, whose three children attended WSU, said he was impressed by the attitude of the residents.

"We didn't meet a kid down there that wasn't appreciative of what was going on," he said.

Aren said in addition to disaster services, the Salvation Army will assist residents in need with finding long-term shelter, clothing and other services. Residents should call Colleen Austin of the Salvation Army at (248) 443-2242, ext. 347.

Residents can also get help with finding short-term shelter from the American Red Cross.

The Southeastern Michigan chapter of the American Red Cross is located at 100 Mack Ave., just east of Woodward Avenue. Brian Peckinpaugh, media representative for the local Red Cross, said residents should register at the Red Cross for assistance with housing, food and other needs.

"Families and residents are being interviewed by case workers right now," he said. Peckinpaugh said over 15 residents were interviewed by 10 a.m.

"Once we find out their needs for food, shelter and the like, we issue them debit cards. That way, they can purchase what they need to help them through this time."

Residents can call the Detroit chapter of the American Red Cross at 1.800.552.5466. Donations are accepted to the American Red Cross Southeastern Chapter. Visit www.semredcross.org for more information.

Residents also expressed concern that their possessions would be guarded in the aftermath of the fire.

Monique Bronz, a first-floor tenant, said she left almost all of her possessions, including pay stubs and other documentation, when she escaped the building.

"I'm afraid that if someone isn't watching the building, everything will be looted," she said.

Firefighters were instructed to leave all possessions inside of the apartment building. Capt. Steve Varnas of the Detroit Fire Department said police will secure the building to protect residents from vandalism or theft.

"We will also have a day, very soon, where residents can go through the building and find their possessions."

However, he cautioned that residents must be patient.

"It's not safe for residents to enter the building right now," he said. "Other portions of the building could still possibly collapse."