Balwin School Principal Wolf Kolb heard the terrible news when he returned from spring break — several of his students from five families were now homeless.
“[They’ve] lost their homes and really, all of their belongs,” he said. “They have nothing.”
The March 28th fire, caused by a plumber’s torch, at the nearby Village Acres apartment complex displaced 19 families. Many of the 57 residents are refugees and children new to Canada.
Balwin School principal Wolf Kolb returned from spring break to news many of his students were homeless. (CBC)
“So they’re not only dealing with the loss of this home,” Kolb said. “These families have lost homes before and it brings all of that back as well.
“It brings back all the trauma that they’ve experienced in their young lives and it can be very overwhelming.”
Two of the apartments are condemned and it will be weeks before any of the families can return.
Mulki Ali, a support worker with the Multicultural Health Brokers, said the families can’t afford to replace the items they’ve lost and are struggling to find affordable places to stay. Many are staying temporarily with relatives.
Four of the displaced families have found a new place to live.
“They are big families; they are newcomers and they are low income families,” she said, pointing out that most are still adjusting to their new lives.
“They can’t even afford to buy furniture again and clothing for the kids. But still the major thing is to get shelter. That’s important right now.”
Balwin School staff have stepped up to help the families offering gift cards, furniture and household items. It’s also supplying students with free bus passes.
The school is accepting donations.
“It speaks to the atmosphere at the school,” Kolb said. “That we are one community and we help each other out where we can.”
Staff at Avenue Commercial, which manages the apartment buildings, have collected toys and clothes for the families.
Edmonton Emergency Relief Services are replacing items such as bedding, furniture, clothing and household items.
The agency is also accepting donations towards helping the families.
