Ashwood Apts. Fire Victims Still Not All In Permanent Homes

NORTH COVENTRY TOWNSHIP, PA — Those left without homes after the devastating Ashwood Apartments fire on July 31 are still struggling, say those working closely with them.

"Although several families have secured new housing, many others are struggling to find affordable units or properties that meet their specific needs, like an apartment that is wheelchair accessible or will keep their children in the same school district," said Kelly Raggazino, Executive Director of Open Hearth, Inc.

Open Hearth has been busy in the effort to house the 45 displaced households, but it remains a challenge. Raggazino said Open Hearth, Inc. led its first case conferencing call on Aug. 19.

"Many shared that the survivors are struggling to process and cope with the trauma they’ve experienced," she said. Chester County Department of Community Development has been providing temporary housing for those who need it, but permanently rehousing and stabilizing families is essential, said Raggazino.

"The fire hit very close to home for Open Hearth," Raggazino said. "Two individuals we support in our Permanent Supportive Housing Program are survivors. Unfortunately, one is being treated at a burn center and we are in touch with her son about her recovery. We believe she will have a long road ahead of her."

"The other is having nightmares about the fire and mourning the loss of his cat," she said. "He is currently staying at a hotel Open Hearth is subsidizing and is anxious to find a new apartment."

Open Hearth, Inc. is a housing assistance non-profit that serves Chester and Montgomery counties, helping not just with shelter, but with the associated needs that, if met, give people a better chance of stabilizing.

"We strongly encourage that landlords who have available affordable units to contact the Housing Authority of Chester County, as they are spearheading the housing location efforts," she said. The Housing Authority can be contacted at ashwoodapartments@haccnet.org.

"Needless to say, no one organization could have managed this crisis alone," she added.

The work has been divided and distributed into unofficially named groups for different action: Funding, Tangible Items, and Housing Case Management committees.

Chester County has also re-energized its Long-Term Recovery Committee. Additionally, many organizations have allocated staff time to work with the survivors to assist with housing and resource coordination.

Raggazino wants to make sure the survivors get help with the trauma as well as housing. She said Open Hearth is encouraging the survivors to contact Valley Creek’s Warm Line 1-866-846-2722 if they are feeling overwhelmed or anxious and wish to speak with someone.

Fire victims have also been made aware that Valley Creek also offers various other mental health services, if needed. Moreover, there is also an amazing team of pastors who are doing crisis/pastoral counseling.

She said Open Hearth and county workers are looking into the application process for the disaster/SBA loan and received information that borrowers could apply for up to $40,000 replace furniture, appliances, vehicles and/or other personal property.

Last week Gov. Tom Wolf declared the fire a disaster, making those who suffered losses eligible to apply for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans.

"Many people living in the Ashwood Apartment building lost everything they own," said Wolf. "The availability of low-interest loans provides a glimmer of hope for people who right now might desperately need it."