A fire on the third floor of YMCA’s downtown branch in Hamilton has displaced 173 tenants from its men’s residence program, which provides affordable short-term housing for those facing health and social challenges. The fire, which occurred Monday, has forced residents to evacuate, with many currently staying on cots in one of the YMCA’s gyms. The fire also sent about a dozen people to the hospital.
Cesar Lemus, a resident who has lived in the building for eight years, expressed anxiety about his uncertain future, while other displaced individuals, including Shawn Arnold and Andrew Slowey, face similar struggles. Arnold has been displaced twice by fire in recent years and has suffered theft of his belongings, while Slowey, who was exercising at the YMCA during the fire, is concerned about losing valuable personal items. The YMCA, which also manages fitness and aquatic facilities, has closed the branch until further notice. Restoration efforts are underway but have revealed more extensive damage than initially expected. The organization is working on a comprehensive transition plan to find temporary or long-term accommodations for displaced residents but has not yet provided a timeline for when this will be completed.
B.C. Housing is assisting in the recovery effort, offering residents support such as moving services and $375 in compensation. However, some residents have found the alternatives offered to be unsuitable for their needs. The community, including local organizations and the Hamilton Community Foundation, is providing support through monetary donations. The YMCA is urging continued community involvement and donations to aid in recovery, while residents like Slowey emphasize the importance of addressing the broader issue of homelessness and supporting those displaced by crises.
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