The American Red Cross Northern Ohio Region is assisting 120 residents who were displaced following a fire at Terrace Towers in East Cleveland Monday night.
The East Cleveland Fire Marshal said the fire is under investigation, however, it appears to be an electrical issue. No fatalities were reported. And 24 hours later, residents are still displaced.
Woe Bell said he slept outside of the complex hopeful that he would be able to get back inside early Tuesday morning but has yet to get inside.
"We out here suffering, and they ain't telling us anything," he said. "I slept outside. My money is in the house. They don’t let me in the house to get money."
He is one of several residents frustrated with the lack of communication from apartment management.
Resident Frederick Malone echoed his sentiment.
"It’s just that they’re not telling us anything. They’re not letting us go in this building. You see everyone pull up because they’re not communicating with us. It’s called communication. At least let us know how long it’s going to be. Is it going to be a week? Is it going to be two weeks? Is it a day," he asked.
Terrace Tower Apartment Complex did not respond to News 5 request for comment.
But many community groups have stepped up to help displaced residents.
According to the Red Cross, the entire apartment building is uninhabitable. An emergency shelter was opened at the Salvation Army Corp. on Doan Avenue to house the residents. Food and water are being provided to families at the shelter.
"We were able to give them clothing, undergarments, toothpaste, you name it, towels, so that everybody, every individual, is taken care of," said Chaka Watch of the Salvation Army.
The Red Cross said it is prepared to "provide aid indefinitely." The organization brought volunteers to work the shelter last night and continued through Tuesday.
"We are providing help. Getting their medications replaced," said Tom Revolinski with The Red Cross. "We will help as long as it takes."
The group East Cleveland Concerned Pastors showed up last night, with city council clerk Justin Anderson and council member Twon Billings.
Dollye Finney, the senior pastor at Omega Baptist Church, said the group worked to provide about 20 people with hotels who did not want to go to shelters.
"We just provided financial support and spiritual support for those who were looking for it, and today we are going to continue to house them because it is the holiday, and I'm not sure we can get help not on the Fourth of July," she said. "When I came here today, I discovered that people were left out on benches, and I do have some fear that maybe some people are still in the building, that just wouldn't leave, so we are hoping to continue those efforts as the week goes on and as we can contact the mayor’s office as we have not had an opportunity to contact the mayor at all, just council."
Trevelle Harp, a community activist, organized food for the displaced residents Tuesday afternoon.
"To no fault of their own, this tragedy happened and displaced families, including children, and we need to kick in to help," he said. "Just the community coming together to help people, that’s all I really want to do. I'm really passionate about the community. I love the people here."
If you'd like to help or need help, you can call the Omega Baptist Church at 216-851-3882, The Red Cross of Northern Ohio or the Salvation Army at 216 249-4334.
News 5 has reached out to city officials for more information.
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