On October 4th 2020, residents of the Cherokee apartment complex in the Chicora neighborhood became victims of a tragic fire that caused significant damage to one of the buildings. As a result 24 households had to be evacuated. Temporary emergency assistance was provided by the Red Cross. However, that assistance was limited to funding for a 72 hour hotel stay.

The Chicora Cherokee neighborhood association has stepped in to fill a gap for those who are without the means to extend their hotel stays past the 72-hour time. Many of these residents are elderly, disabled, and on fixed or limited income. The neighborhood association has been working with the owners of the property and other organizations to create a support plan.

Even with those efforts it is now determined that the damage to one of the buildings will require extensive repairs for which there is not a definitive timeline. In essence , there are approximately 12 to 14 households who will be rendered homeless unless there are resources available to them to allow for them to have shelter while they figure out more permanent options.


In addition there are still another four to five individuals who will still need extended hotel stays while their building is made inhabitable again. Those individuals will need approximately another week.

The neighborhood association is asking for those who are so inclined to please contribute to this fundraiser so that we can provide much-needed assistance to individuals who do not have much in the way of any family or support networks. Any and all contributions will be greatly appreciated.