Families left homeless after fire at Lakewood Apartments; community rallies to help

“I’ve lived to see the dawn of a new day,” she said. “The fog is laying on the field and it’s beautiful and I’m thankful. I know it was God who helped me out of that building. Without his help, I could have perished.

“Now I hate to see my memories gone,” she continued. “Stuff that was Mommy’s, stuff she made. But it will be all right. (At) least I’m alive. That’s the important thing.”

The Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority (SAESA) was called to the fire shortly after 7 p.m.  Aug. 11 at Lakewood Apartments Complex B in the 800 block of South Clinton Street in downtown Stockbridge. Multiple fire units also responded to assist in fighting the blaze. No injuries were reported.

But plumes of smoke could be seen for miles and as dusk began to settle in, so did the recognition of the devastation that faced residents of those apartments. Complex B contained 16 units and the property is expected to be declared a total loss. At least least 15 families, or about 26 people, now were homeless.

“It appears the fire may have started somewhere between apartments 14B and 15B; the cause is unknown at this time,” according to Brent Stowe and John Beck, on-scene firefighters of the SAESA. The Meridian Township Fire inspector will be conducting the initial investigation, they said.

Rob Sands, of PK Housing & Management Companies, had no comment at the scene the following morning. (After I introduced myself as a “community facilitator” outside of the reporting of the story and offered my support, Sands said, “All community support is needed and welcomed at this time. Negativity is not needed and nothing gained,” of which I could nothing but agree.)     

Community response and support, like that of the emergency response teams, was almost instantaneous, at first to embrace and offer aid in simple gestures. In an almost overwhelming response to the emergency, Community Outreach first responders struggled to assess and vet the most immediate needs of the displaced residents.

Dansville firefighter Corey Barett not only rescued resident Jeannie Smith, but he also saved the ashes of her late husband, a military veteran. (His fellow firefighters shared this with me, and Smith’s family wanted to thank Barett for his efforts.) Sadly, some items including her husband’s memorial flag of service were lost in the blaze.

True to our community spirit when our neighbors are in need, simple gestures do not go unnoticed. Bud Patrick, a displaced resident, said a complete stranger provided him with a walker, after his was lost in the fire.

“I didn’t even know who the gentleman was.  He must have heard me say I couldn’t get my walker out. It was a newer one, one of those seated kind,” he said, referring to his lost walker. (I reassured him that I would have him in a seated walker, making sure to get his phone number. As I sat here completing this piece, Mr. Patrick’s walker was delivered to my home directly.)

How to get help or donate

NOTE: There currently is no drop-off point for large items, such as furniture and household needs, until storage is available.

This list is ongoing and will be continuously revised, and I am personally helping with it.  If you have questions, please contact me or:

Stockbridge Community Outreach, the lead on this,  as they have direct access to the Red Cross. PLEASE NOTE: The Outreach Office phone number is currently out of service and the temporary phone number is 517-833-0747. They will let us know of specific needs once a needs assessment has been completed. More than anything MONETARY DONATIONS are needed and would be greatly appreciated.

• Rob’s Pizza has started an official “Stockbridge Fire Victims Fund” account at Eaton Federal Bank with a $1,000 donation. Donations can be made directly to the bank in this account. The donations will be equally divided among those displaced by the fire.

• Crossroads Community Church. Crossroads is now accepting appointments for victims of the Lakewood fire to select clothing. To make an appointment call Crossroads Church Office 517-851-7075. Crossroads Community Church will be handling clothing distributions. Currently the community has heeded the call to action and blessed the church with an abundance of clothing donations. We now ask for time to sort and distribute the donations to those on the ever-changing list.

• Gregory Community Church will be taking appointments for displaced residents for use of the community clothing closet. Call 734-498-2591 and leave a detailed message.

• Online group Wake Up Stockbridge will be handling personal request needs, gift cards, food and gas cards. Along with the Gregory Pub, a donation jar has been established. Donations will be deposited directly into the “Stockbridge Fire Victims Fund” at the Eaton Federal Bank account set up by Rob’s Pizza.

• Online group Munith/Stockbridge Pay it Forward will handle personal hygiene and personal request needs. Contact Anita Monical at 734-709-8435.

• Online group Their Guardian, Their Voice will handle pet needs. Contact Heather Walling by email at [email protected].

Reporter’s Note: Please use caution when making donations to the residents of Lakewood Apartment Fire Victims Funds. If you question where donations are going, the information above will help make sure your donations get to the appropriate organizations.

Rob Sands of PK Housing & Management Companies was on scene early the following morning. Photo Credit: Tina Cole-Mullins

Dansville fire fighter Corey Barett retrieving the ashes of resident Jeannie Smith’s husband. Photo Provided by Smith family

“I’ve lived to see the dawn of a new day. The fog is laying on the field and it’s beautiful, and I’m thankful.” Vivian Risner poetically reflects. Photo Credit: Tina Cole-Mullins

Photo Credit: Tina Cole-Mullins