Tuesday will be the last day for the Salvation Army’s distribution centre for victims of the Kerr Apartments fire.
After that, all goods will be moved to the Salvation Army’s regular location, according to Allison Alder, chair of the unmet needs committee.
“They will still be available to residents for free,” she says, “but it would be great not to have to move it all.”
The community donated a mountain of clothes and housewares during a one-day donation drive shortly after the fire. It’s been housed in the old Movie Gallery on Vernon Street.
Tuesday is also the last day that three remaining displaced residents can stay at the Villa Motel. Afterward, if they still don’t have permanent or temporary accommodation, their only option will be the Stepping Stones shelter.
A number of residents have found permanent housing, however, and Alder says they’re “very happy to be settling in.”
It’s suspected about a dozen people are couch-surfing for now, but may need accommodation in the future. People with housing to offer can contact Nelson Community Services.
Of the 52 residents who registered with the Red Cross, 29 are considered to have had their needs met and 14 are close, while eight still have outstanding needs, and one person can’t be reached.
“We believe there are nine residents who were identified the night of the fire who have not come forth to the Red Cross for an assessment and therefore have received no support,” Alder adds.
Help has been provided in setting up new homes, replacing glasses, dentures, and other gear for work, school, and health. Assistance is also available for rent, power hook-ups, and damage deposits.
One more resident has recently come forward for an assessment, and Alder urges anyone who hasn’t or whose needs have changed to contact June at the Red Cross at 250-505-2510.
Over $70,000 has been raised to aid the Kerr residents, including donations to Our Daily Bread, which has been providing meals. They continue to offer hot lunch during the week, but dinner and breakfast service is finished.
Some fundraisers are still taking place through the Nelson Leafs bottle depot, Craft Connection, Whitewater, and donation jars.
“Both funds and donated goods are being used to help residents who’ve chosen to come forward seeking assistance to get back on their feet,” Alder says.
Furniture and appliances is now being sought — not much has been donated to date. It can be brought to Share Nelson, where residents can access it for free.
“The folks at Share Nelson will keep track of items and residents to ensure immediate needs are met first, with the option to return to fulfill less essential needs later on,” Alder says.
New beds are being purchased at a discount for residents through Country Furniture.
Nelson notaries have also agreed to help people with replacing their identification, although very few requests have come forth.