PITTSBURGH — Dozens of former residents of the Roosevelt building in downtown Pittsburgh have been forced to move out with little notice after a fire.
Many of them have nowhere to live, and have to be out of their hotel rooms in two days.
“We are homeless,” said resident Cindy Miller.
11 News could hear the sadness and sheer frustration in the voices of former residents of the Roosevelt building as they moved their belongings on Wednesday.
“We’re going to be on the streets,” said Andrea Gordon.
“I can’t believe at this age I am on the street. I can’t believe,” said Asija Corlick.
Fire engulfed an apartment on the 12th floor of the Roosevelt building on Dec. 11. Flames were seen shooting out from the building, creating extensive damage rapidly. A beloved grandmother lost her life that night.
Neighbors shared pictures showing just a fraction of the damage many floors below. Smoke and water ruined everything in its path.
And while some neighbors are in hotels for now, they have two more days until they have to be out of their rooms. Since this is HUD housing, residents told Channel 11 they simply can’t find housing fast enough, or don’t know how to.
Frustrated residents invited 11 News inside.
We were able to catch up with a lawyer for the Roosevelt. He says since the building is condemned, only supervised move-out is allowed.
Restoration for the extensive water, smoke and electrical damage will begin Jan. 16 with the daycare remaining open. The plan is for renovations to be complete within six months.
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