Grand Rapids Fire Displaces 101 Households, Leaving Many Financially Squeezed, Homeless

In Michigan, the Grand Rapids Press reports:

• Like many others who lost everything to a spectacular fire two weeks ago, Betsey Chase went to a housing fair [recenty] to get help toward rebuilding her life. She quickly learned it will not be easy. Yes, keep making mortgage and association payments on the two-bedroom condominium you lost, she was told. And no, insurance payments probably would not come in time to help cover the initial rent for government-subsidized senior housing -- that's assuming her application is approved. "I feel like I'm being pulled in so many directions," said the 87-year-old Chase, holding her head in her hands and fighting back tears. [...] The Jan. 20 fire [...] displaced 101 households.

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• [Extension office community development specialist Carol] Townsend said while some, such as Chase, were lucky to have relatives take them in, others have relied on the Red Cross for temporary housing. But the rescue organization's resources have been stretched by the needs of the 70 to 85 cases opened in the wake of the fire, she said.

For more, see Condo fire victims get advice at housing fair.