Homeless for the Holiday: Coping After a Fire

Julio and Judith Milla are thankful they have family to be with on Thanksgiving. But spending it in borrowed clothes crowded into a relative's apartment isn't their ideal holiday. 

They fled their apartment at 25 The Parkway in Katonah over a week ago after a on the first floor of their apartment building. They were sleeping at the time of the fire but were , entered their building and pounded on their doors until they were awake.

They stayed for three days in a Red Cross-sponsored hotel room before moving to Judith Milla's sister's apartment in Mt. Kisco. Though they're grateful for the help, it's been a challenge day-to-day.

It's a difficult situation for anyone at anytime—and even tougher to bear during the holiday season, say the Millas.

"My sister, she is so nice to have us, but she has a small room and we are all sleeping together," said Judith Milla, who added that her daughters have been having nightmares since the fire.

And getting to work is difficult. They used to walk to their jobs in Katonah—she works part-time as a housekeeper and he works part-time at Mrs. Green's—but have had to hitch rides with friends or arrange for transportation. The Milla's have also not had access any of their belongings since the fire because their apartment is locked up.

The Red Cross gave them a gift card to purchase essentials like food and toiletries but that has run out. Diana Tyler of donated boots and scarves for the girls.

But even with the help, their daughters, Amari, a preschooler at in Katonah, and Pamela, a kindergartener at , are missing the comforts of home.

"My daughter, she misses her Dora blanket and is scared that something happened to it," said Judith Milla. "I tell her it's going to be fine, but it's hard for her to understand."

The Katonah-Lewisboro school district made special arrangements to pick up Pamela Milla for school, according to Terry Costin, assistant principal at the school. In addition, he said, a parent volunteer has helped coordinate some resources for the family.

Still, Julio Milla said the family want to look for a new apartment in Katonah. It could be several weeks before they are allowed back in, he said, unsure of where to start in his rental search.

Harold Ernsteins, trustee of 25 The Parkway and the Milla's landlord, could not be immediately reached for comment. Several messages were left by Patch at his Connecticut residence.

If you would like to offer the Milla's any donations or professional assistance, email LisaB@Patch.com.