Cudahy apartment fire; emergency assistance provided by agencies
CUDAHY, Wis. - Dozens of displaced seniors are in limbo after an apartment fire in Cudahy forced them out on Tuesday, Jan. 16. But there are new efforts to get those residents back on their feet.
"We have had four days of help," said Judy Hahn, a resident of the apartment building. "Most people didn't sleep for four days; didn't take a shower for four days."
Hahn was one of dozens who had to evacuate from the Washington Square Apartments. Hahn has been getting help from the Red Cross, but now the Salvation Army is also pitching in.
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The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team provided emergency assistance on Friday for individuals and families affected by the apartment complex fire in Cudahy. A Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) for those affected by this fire was held at the Kelly Senior Center. EDS staff provided emotional and spiritual care, emergency assistance, and food and hydration to those affected.
"This is where we bring people together so that they can meet with Red Cross representatives to get them some immediate assistance," said Bill Satterlee, Disaster Responder – American Red Cross of Southeast Wisconsin.
Judy Hahn
Agencies provide assistance for Cudahy residents burned from their apartments
Those who came to the Kelly Senior Center met with the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and Cudahy Health Department.
"We will be doing follow up with every one of the residents to make sure that they’re getting the help they need in their recovery to move on to the next step," Satterlee said.
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The majority of the damage at the apartment complex is on the north side of the building. It is mainly water damage. The property manager tells FOX6 News once apartments there are up to fire code, those in non-compromised areas could be back in their units by Monday.
Hahn is one of the lucky ones who could go back on Monday.
To make a monetary donation to those impacted by the fire, you can contribute by texting WUM EDS to 24365 or online at https://salarmy.us/WUMEDS2024.
Fire at Washington Square Apartments, Cudahy
What Cudahy fire officials know
Cudahy fire officials said the fire at Washington Square Apartments, near Packard and Barnard, broke out around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Smoke and flames could be seen flowing from the third floor of the 60-unit apartment complex, which has roughly 100 residents.
While crews worked to put the fire out, other departments were called in to help residents find shelter.
A 45-year-old man was taken to a hospital for smoke inhalation. No one else was injured.