MIAMI – Dozens of people slept inside the gymnasium at Jose Marti Park in Miami following a massive fire at their apartment building.
“Cold, people talking all night long,” one resident named David told Local 10 News.
For the mostly elderly population, it was an uncomfortable and vulnerable feeling.
“I was thinking about my stuff because I got my paper and everything,” another resident, identified only as Felicia, said.
Miami officials aid 47 residents sought shelter at the gymnasium overnight.
“We brought pillows because we realized there were no pillows on the cots,” Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said.
“We brought phone chargers, water, juice. You know, we are going to give them some gift cards,” Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela added.
Clutching umbrellas, several of the residents streamed out of the gym on Tuesday, walking gingerly in the pouring rain toward waiting trolleys. They were being taken to a Motel 6, where they will stay for the next two weeks before hopefully finding a more permanent solution for their housing needs.
“Since many of them are Section 8, we are already having people from the community reach out saying that they have apartments available for Section 8 recipients,” Suarez said.
So far, city leaders say they have secured around 19 permanent units for the displaced residents, who left with only the clothes on their back.
“There’s a lady that is on dialysis -- we are going to prioritize her. There are two other ladies who have cancer,” Gabela said.
Suarez assured residents that the city is there to help.
Many residents are now having to rebuild from scratch after their important documents, clothes and medications were destroyed by the fire.