Senior residents displaced after a devastating fire in Pontiac are still unsure of the future.
The West Manor Senior Apartments off Paddock in Pontiac caught fire on Saturday, July 1. Fire officials said it started because someone was grilling on their balcony and they’re calling the fire accidental.
Many residents have been staying at the Pontiac Marriott, but the free rooms only last until Sunday.
"I lost everything, everything, no kid's pictures, no documents, no legal documents, I don't have anything,” said Shirley Jackson, a resident from West Manor.
"I just rescued my cat, I couldn't take anything else, I lost all my antiques, my IDs,” said Pamela Campbell, another resident from West Manor.
Thankfully, no one was injured during the fire, but most residents are not sure where they will be living and they don’t have a lot of options.
"At this point, we're not sure, they've been meeting with us on a daily basis trying to update us on the next step,” said Jackson.
Local pastors and the City of Pontiac have helped the residents with everything from clothing, food and even transportation.
The residents are concerned about where they will end up.
"As you know, this is a senior complex, so it's not that easy for a senior to start over,” said Jackson.
West Manor did return all of the security deposits to the displaced residents.
If you want to help, there will be a fundraiser this weekend.
React! and One Will C. Music will host a fundraiser to benefit the senior citizens. The event, "Give From the Heart Pontiac for Our Seniors!", is Saturday, July 8th, located at The Bowen Senior Center, 52 Bagley St., Pontiac, MI 48341. There is no ticket price, but donations are strongly encouraged.
