An October fire at an apartment complex in St. John's left nearly a dozen families displaced. But as the CBC's Laura Howells reports, people like Majdah Mohammed Eid Barima have been able to find their footing with the help of friends and strangers.

St. John's

Majda Barima and her three children lost their home in a fire that destroyed their Simms Street apartment building in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. After weeks in temporary shelter, Barima has moved into a new home with the help of NL Housing, local organizations, and community donations coordinated by neighbors and support groups.

Multiple families were displaced by the fire, most of whom are new Canadians. Community members and organizations provided essential items, furniture, and support, allowing Barima's children to remain at their school. While most families have found new housing, one family remains in emergency shelter as efforts continue to secure permanent accommodation.

Woman who lost her home in a fire back on her feet

Majda Barima is settling into her new home. She can finally cook again for her three kids, after spending weeks in hotels being used as temporary shelter. Fire burned through her Simms Street apartment building in October, forcing her and dozens of other people out, most of them new Canadians. Barima got out with her kids and the clothes she was wearing. Sarah Basler is Barima's neighbor on Simms Street. She's been trying to help her friend and the other victims since the fire. Nobody had clothes, and because I knew most of the families, I knew sort of how big their kids were and who needed what and how many, and so we just started kind of collecting in the neighborhood. Everyone in the neighborhood, of course, knew because we were all up that night. And then it just took off a little bit. NL Housing helped get Barima into her new place, but the house was empty when she moved in. With Sarah Basler helping her find furniture, several organizations have stepped up to help find other things people need, like Rennies River Elementary and McDonald Drive Junior High, Fieldians Athletic Association, where Barima's kids play soccer, Connections for Seniors, among others. Anika Mundell is with the Association for New Canadians, which organized lots of donations. She says the Canada Games also donated beds for people. 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 and does provide support for their neighbors. NL Housing says five families from the building have moved to NL Housing homes, and one has found a rental in the private market. Fortunately, Barima's kids have been able to stay at their school, though other students have had to transfer as they move farther away. Barima is grateful for the community support, and to have a house full of essential items where she can live with her children. All of St. John's is very good. This is what's left of that Simms Street apartment building. NL Housing says one of the families that lived here is still staying in emergency shelter, but they're working with the city to find them a place to live. Laura Howells, CBC News, St. John's.

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