LITTLETON — A fund has been established through the Arapahoe County Foundation to assist victims of the Southview Place Towers Apartments fire that occurred on April 6 in the 5800 block of S. Windermere St. More than 130 senior citizens have been displaced by the fire and although all are now in housing, the crisis is far from over and many of the current housing solutions are temporary.
Residents were informed this week that their leases will be terminated and they will not be able to return to their apartments due to smoke and asbestos damage. Additionally, some residents were told that they must pack and move all of their furnishings and belongings within the next 10 days, and others were told that they could never retrieve their items due to contamination. Many of these seniors have lived here for years and lack the financial resources to cope with this disaster.
Arapahoe County Commissioners voted to designate approximately $50,000 in grant funding to assist with security deposits and other rental requirements for eligible residents. Arapahoe County Community Resources staff is also working to locate housing options.
“Our Arapahoe County community has always been generous and willing to give to those in need.” said Board of County Commissioners, Board Chair, Nancy Doty. “These seniors have lost their homes and most of their possessions, and we hope our citizens will join us in helping them during this time.”
If you wish to contribute to the Southview Apartment Fire Victims Account through the Arapahoe County Foundation, please visit https://www.razoo.com/story/Southview-Towers-Apartment-Fire-Victims-Fund or you can mail a check payable to “Arapahoe County Foundation” to 5334 S. Prince St., Littleton, CO 80120. Please include “Southview Apartment Fire Victims” on the memo line of your check.
The Foundation is a Colorado non-profit corporation organized as a 501(c)(3) and donors will receive a donation acknowledgement letter for tax purposes. All funding raised will be used exclusively to support the victims of the fire, through needs such as utility deposits, security deposits, moving expenses, initial supplies of food and necessities and other needs.
A resource center is open daily at 5804 S. Datura St. in Littleton to assist victims and their families. Landlords are encouraged to contact the resource center through Arapahoe County Community Resources if they have affordable units available at 303-738-8040. Citizens can also contact Community Resources with questions or for more information.
Photo of Southview Place Towers (credit: CBS)
Leave a Reply