History:
In the afternoon of May 4, a four alarm fire broke out in the Westheimer Regency Apartments in St John Neighborhood of northeast Austin. The bottom floor of a section of the complex had been consumed by flames when firefighters arrived, and they were unable to start putting out the fire because they first had to rescue several children who were trapped on the balconies. Over a four hour period the fire destroyed 24 units of the apartment and severely damaged another 18. There were originally 300 residents displaced. Red Cross provided shelter at the Gus Garcia Recreational Center on Rundberg lane to approximately 100 residents over a two night period.
Thanks to some relationships that had already been established in the neighborhood, community leaders and individuals from local churches came together to render aid and minister to the displaced residents. The churches included Iglesia Centro Familiar Ebenezer, Austin Stone Community Church, and El Shaddai. Together the churches put out the word to their members who began to gather toiletries, clothing, diapers and other immediate necessities. Red Cross offered immediate shelter. The Webb Family Resource Center and The St. John Neighborhood Association have and will continue to play a vital role in these on-going relief efforts.
Current Situation:
Iglesia Familiar Ebenezer with support from Austin Stone is serving as the drop-off and distribution center for clothing, toiletries and other items needed by the displaced residents. To date, over 189 residents have been served with items donated to the Ebenezer Relief Center. The Webb Family Resource Center will continue to help families find new homes, furnishings, and additional assistance.
News Articles:
http://www.keyetv.com/news/local/story/Fire-marshal-prepares-report-as-Austin-apartment
http://www.statesman.com/search/content/news/stories/local/05/06/0506fire.html
http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/05/10/0510fire.html
http://www.statesman.com/search/content/news/stories/local/05/05/0505fire.html
http://www.statesman.com/search/content/gen/ap/TX_Austin_Apartment_Fire.html
http://www.news8austin.com/content/your_news/default.asp?ArID=239990&
http://www.news8austin.com/content/your_news/Default.asp?SecID=278&ArID=239597&
http://www.news8austin.com/content/your_news/Default.asp?SecID=278&ArID=239676&
http://www.news8austin.com/content/your_news/Default.asp?SecID=278&ArID=239687&
http://www.news8austin.com/content/your_news/Default.asp?SecID=278&ArID=239729& ]
