Dozens struggle to find permanent housing almost a month after Branchburg fire
The community has rallied together to support the approximately 65 residents impacted by the March blaze.
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More than 20 families have been displaced for nearly a month following a fire at their apartment complex in Branchburg.
Dozens of former residents of the Red Rock Preserve remain without permeant housing just as their temporary assistance is set to run out at the end of April.
"We don't have money to keep paying for the hotel forever. We need a place to call home," said Sabrina Jaouad, a displaced resident.
The fire displaced 65 people, many of whom were forced to flee early in the morning with little more than the clothes they were wearing.
“The whole building was on fire," said displaced resident Myonah Tillman. "It’s me and my three children. We were sleeping and I had to wake all of them up and run back up and run down the steps. We didn’t have any shoes on, barely any clothes. We had pajamas on. It was just horrible.”
The fire completely destroyed parts of the apartment complex. Some units left without roofs.
“They didn't let us get anything out of it. All the memories, clothes, furniture,” Jaouad said.
Many of the displaced families are still living in a local hotel while they search for permanent housing nearly a month later.
Several residents said the search has been difficult because affordable housing options are limited and waitlists can last years.
“We’re just hoping that we can get some type of assistance where some type of housing can come through for us,” said Ijamiesha Horne. “We’re not asking for it to be free. We’re willing to pay what we have to as far as security deposits and things of that nature, but to make us go to the back of a two-year waiting list, it’s unfair.”
A combination of community donations, the Branchburg School District Parent Teacher Organization, the Red Cross and a local church have funded the hotel stays for impacted residents.
The school district confirmed to News 12 that the assistance is expected to run out by the end of the month.
The Branchburg PTO has collected donations and filled a storage space with clothing and necessities for displaced residents.
Those interested in helping the displaced residents can visit the school district's donation page here.
