SUNNYVALE (BCN) — An online fundraiser for dozens of residents displaced by a two-alarm fire at a Sunnyvale apartment complex last week has raised more than $25,000.
The blaze at Twin Pines Manor Apartments that broke out shortly before 1 p.m. on Friday at the complex where 110 people live, Department of Public Safety Capt. Shawn Ahern said.
To provide some relief to the displaced, the city has set up a GoFundMe campaign that can be found online at https://www.gofundme.com/2hzhv4kk.
Firefighters faced heavy smoke, heat in the hallways and a partial collapse of the roof at the complex, where they had to rescue many residents from their balconies, Ahearn said.
Two female residents were transported to hospital. One was left with burns and the other suffered from smoke inhalation, he said.
The fire was contained to four units and under control at about 3:20 p.m. The cause is under investigation, he said.
The American Red Cross was called to assist displaced residents and opened an emergency shelter at the city’s Community Center, a half-mile west of the complex, he said.
There were 53 residents who spent Friday night at the shelter and 96 people received help on Saturday, according to Ahearn.
Shuttle service was provided for the residents to retrieve “essential belongings” with help form the city, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority and Sunnyvale Neighborhoods Actively Prepare program, Ahearn said.
The shelter stopped operating Tuesday, and the city is working on coordinating with nonprofit Sunnyvale Community Services to secure temporary housing for the displaced residents, he said.
The public can help the complex’s residents by making donations to Sunnyvale Community Services at 725 Kifer Road.
The nonprofit is looking for cash donations to distribute to the residents for motels and other needs such as rent and utilities, public safety officials said.
The organization is also looking for food and gift cards to restaurants, grocery stores and retail stores, according to public safety officials.
The nonprofit is turning away any donations for clothes, furniture and other material items that families can’t properly store, public safety officials said.
The city is also seeking help from Santa Clara County and other local agencies to assist the displaced residents, the captain said.