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LITTLETON, Colo.-- Contact7 is continuing to fight for help for seniors in a south metro community who were left homeless after a fire at an apartment building.
It's been more than three weeks since the fire and on Tuesday, people finally got a look inside their damaged homes. Many said time is running out for them to find a new place to live.
Carlene is one of many seniors looking for a new home after the deadly fire at the Windemere apartments displaced 163 people. She believes she is one of the lucky ones, though, as she and her cat both got out safely and now temporarily live with her sister. But not everyone was as lucky.
"That there were that many people that didn't have friends or family, and whatever insurance they had, you know, put them in very temporary [housing], but they can’t stay there forever," said Carline.
A spokesperson for the Windemere apartments said the owner is doing everything it can, giving back any money owed plus $500, while also planning a fundraiser to further help the residents.
On Tuesday, insurance adjusters finally got a look inside the apartments, while the Methodist church across the street and organizations like Love In the Name of Christ have helped out.
"Individuals have come to us and are overwhelmed by all of the realities that they now face. They've not only lost their place, they've lost their community," said Kathryn Roy, with Love In the Name of Christ.
While most have insurance that covers the costs of moving, according to Arapahoe County Senior Services, the clock is ticking.
"People who have been staying with friends or at a hotel ... that hotel coverage is running out," said Carlene.
Carlene was already on a waitlist for another apartment building. She’s been moved to the top of the list, she told Denver7, because of the fire. Now she just waits for something to open up.
"I’m just a believer in God and that he is going to see me through this and I just have to take it one day at a time," said Carlene.
