Three buildings demolished after fire
Three buildings in downtown Albany were torn down after a fire Friday afternoon. Now more than a dozen people are left without homes, and as Maria Valvanis explains, while no one was injured, for some, the losses are monumental.
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"Someone knocked at the door and said get out, get out, and we all ran. We didn't have shoes or anything," said Hshmoe Eh.
Eh and his family stood by one another as demolition crews tore down the only home they've ever known in this country.
"I feel okay, I feel brave," Eh said.
Two other Dove Street buildings effected by Friday's fire were torn down as well, leaving those who lived there without a home, on some of the coldest nights we've faced this winter.
"Overall, it was 14 adults and eight children," said Red Cross Communication Director, Caroline Boardman. "We helped with hotel stays and financial assistance for food and clothing, and we expect to maybe hear from more people that were affected."
For many, it's the irreplaceable pictures and memories that they'll miss most, but for Hshmoe Eh's family, it's their privilege of being here.
"We're working together to recover a safety deposit box, a lock box, and for them, they have their green cards, immigration papers, documentation, and that kind of thing, that's just a real pain to have to replace and very expensive," said friend Jolene Roosenberg.
Clothing donations from a local church and help from the community is helping to keep spirits up, and of course, knowing the most important things are still here.
"Happy no one got hurt and everyone safe," said Eh.