MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) – Fourteen volunteeers were at Manitowoc’s Parkview Haven apartment complex Wednesday to help move items out of the building.
Eighty-eight people were displaced by a fatal May 10 fire, all of them at least 55 years of age.
The Salvation Army of Manitowoc County is coordinating the effort to reconnect residents with their belongings.
Kyle Bryntesen is the group’s business development director.
“The residents don’t have the assistance. A lot of these people are single individuals, no family in the area or anyone to help, so they’ve reached out to us to help them move their belongings.”
He says it’s important that people keep the fire survivors in mind.
“The initial response is great, because it’s on the top of everyone’s mind, but we all go back to life. We kind of forget about the things that are going on.”
One of the volunteers is Manitowoc Fire and Rescue’s Jeff Keehan.
He notes it was a difficult day for the tenants, including one man whom he was helping.
“Today, to have 14 people walking in and out of his apartment with all his belongings getting carried out and not knowing quite where they’re going or what we’re doing with them.”
Officials believe it will be another 4-6 weeks until the residents can return home.
