Call for help after fire victims left without home
Two victims from a house fire in Utakarra on Wednesday will be left homeless this Easter, a source revealed at noon today.
After being forced to leave their home on Wednesday due to extensive fire damage, one of the men has been staying at a hostel in Geraldton.
With the hostel fully booked over Easter weekend and no other vacant accommodation in Geraldton the men have been forced to take to the streets, according to St Vincent de Paul Society Geraldton president Dulcie Valenti.
Mrs Valenti, who has accommodated the men with clothing and food, said she hoped something could be done before the long weekend.
“These poor people need somewhere to stay and there are so many vacant buildings and empty homes around Geraldton that nobody is using — why not let them stay there?” she said.
“We can offer them blankets, clothing, beds, bedding and food, but they need a place to stay.
“It is so sad and brings tears to my eyes to want to help, but not be able to.
“I feel absolutely helpless that I can’t do anything but I am sure there is someone out there who can help,” she said.
In two separate incidents, four properties owned by the Department of Housing received major fire damage on Wednesday morning.
Department of Housing service delivery general manager Steve Parry said all declared occupants of both the Utakarra and Spalding properties had suitable accommodation for the long weekend.
“The Department is currently liaising with the tenants to secure suitable long term accommodation,” he said.
Anyone in a position to help the victim is welcome to contact the Guardian.
