Nowhere to go for dozens of Londoners displaced in OEV fire, residents say

After a fire ripped through an Old East Village apartment building Friday, some residents say they're struggling to find supports and a place to live until they can return home. 

Tenants set up by the Canadian Red Cross say they've been told they'll have until Thursday to stay in a local hotel — but one resident is concerned for both himself and his neighbours who can't afford costly hotel fees coming next. 

"Up to 40 people could be homeless unless we can figure something out," said Tyler Rush, who has lived in the building for about a decade. 

"A lot of people who are able to return to their units, they won't have power. People who can't go in at all are scrambling to find a place to stay. They don't know what they're going to do," he said. 

London Fire Department crews were called to 753 Dundas St. on Friday, Feb. 7, when a fire broke out inside the building. Two cats died in the fire, and firefighters rescued two people from the building. As of Friday, fire officials estimated the cost of damages at $1.2 million.

While a number of units in the front of the building are severely damaged, residents were told by building management they might be able to return to units at the building's rear in a week, but the exact timeline is unclear, he said.

"I'm not great for savings right now, so I could probably personally pay for maybe a night or two, but then that still leaves me with a few days until I can get back into my unit," Rush said.

Rush, who works full time, said many of his neighbours aren't financially equipped to find other accommodations. In an attempt to find solutions, Rush said he's spent time looking into resources.  

'I'm trying to stay calm,' says resident

Other residents, like Caroline Pugh-Roberts, have taken action as well.

"I'm trying to stay calm. I'm trying to be logical and take it step-by-step. I've been working the phone all weekend trying to help everybody else too," she said. 

Unfortunately, finding cheap accommodations and supports has been a challenge. Shelters aren't a viable option because they're typically full during the cold winter months, said Pugh-Roberts.

Both she and Rush said they're extremely appreciative for the work the Red Cross has done, including giving residents gift cards for things like clothing — but they're concerned for what comes next.

"I don't know what we're going to do. I really don't. There's [up to] 40 of us, many with pets," Pugh-Roberts said.

In a written statement to CBC News, the Canadian Red Cross said it will continue to work with residents to provide emergency support.

"On behalf of the City of London, the Canadian Red Cross is providing lodging, as well as funds for food, clothing and other necessary supports," the statement reads. "Our team continues to work with the community and the authorities to determine next steps in support of the people affected by the fire."

The organization's website says it provides food, shelter, clothing and essential supplies after disasters for up to 72 hours.

As residents work to figure out their next moves, Rush said he's raising money through an online fundraiser to pay for hotel stays for his neighbours who need them. He also said he would continue to offer neighbours help after he's able to move back into his unit.