Local organizations are ready to distribute donations to the 500 people forced to vacate the Yale Park Apartments because of poor and dangerous living conditions.
Mission Church has collected hundreds of items from dozens of people who have donated clothing, bedding, toys, and anything a family would need if they were forced to leave a portion of their belongings behind.
Twelve days ago, the tenants of the Yale Park Apartments were told they have to leave because of thousands of building violations — some life-threatening. Most are people who can't afford much more.
All of the residents have left the shelters and are now in temporary or permanent homes. Mission Church says they'll be distributing items to family sponsors to get them to the refugees.
"I know even last week a few times I would drive past and like all their stuff was just strewn across the parking lot and it was sad to think that's all that they had so we need to help them replace all that stuff and make it something they don't need to worry about," said Amy Vandorsten, Admin. Assistant for Mission Church.
Both temporary shelters were closed on Friday.
Yale Park Apartments impact
Of the 99 families displaced:
- 56 families are in permanent housing
- 20 families are in the approval process for permanent housing
- 14 families are in the process of home ownership
- 9 families don't have a solid option yet; some did have to go to an extended-stay hotel
Source: Heartland Family Service
How to help
If you would like to donate you can call Mission Church at 402-909-5675; or bring items to them between 9am-5pm at 3401 Patrick Ave.
