Families displaced by Simms Street fire find new footing with community support

Residents of an apartment building in St. John's are finding their footing again after a fire burned through the complex leaving most without anything in October.

Majdah Mohammed Eid Barima and her three children lived in the building on Simms Street. On the night of Oct. 6, she lost just about everything she owned, leaving only with her children and the clothes on their backs.

After spending weeks in a hotel, she and her family were able to move into a new home through the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) in November.

"I have a home," Barima told CBC News with a smile. "All people in St. John's is very good. I like it, because [they] all help me. Thank you for all."

Barima credits the support of friends, along with the help of the community. She especially credits her friend Sarah Bassler. The two met through their children and quickly formed a strong bond akin to sisters, the pair said.

"Everybody in the neighbourhood is just so sad not to have all those families there anymore," Bassler said. "I love this house. It's so great.… The only problem is it's not around the corner anymore."

The Association for New Canadians said nine of the 11 units lost in the fire were occupied by residents availing of support or services through the organization.

Anneke Mundel, the association's director of community and school engagement, said community groups and residents quickly came together with donations of clothing, school supplies and furniture.

"There was such an incredible volume, and then we had the families come through and select the items that would be helpful to them. So that was really heartwarming, just to see the community's response and care for the families," Mundel said.

"It was an absolute tragedy. But I think that, you know, the part that always, I guess, heartens me is that the community comes together in these kinds of times of need."

Mundel said the ANC is still looking for donations to help the families heading into the winter, like new winter clothing and gift cards so they can buy the things they need.

NLHC told CBC News on Tuesday that it has worked with seven families displaced by the fire who qualified for housing. Six of them have found places to live, while one remains in an emergency shelter.

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