Mahoning-Youngstown Community Action Partnership was featured in a four-part series on PBS for its role in assisting residents of International Towers after the May 28th explosion at the Realty Building.
MYCAP paid for emergency housing for 55 people from the Towers. Residents were finally able to return home Aug. 21.
The series was filmed a few weeks before the return when advocates were still pushing for answers and action.
After their return, MYCAP also stabilized the families by paying their rent through Dec. 1. Additionally, the agency provided 175 gift cards to Wal-Mart for $150 each.
According to Cirell Howard, Director of Senior Services and Community Engagement for MYCAP, 12 residents were rehoused to locations other than the building which provides affordable housing to 173 people age 62 or older or with disabilities.
Three pregnant women impacted by the incident received help from MYCAP’s diaper bank with other wraparound services.
“MYCAP continues to connect with many of the residents almost daily,” Howard said. “the relationship that was built in the face of extreme adversity will never be broken. The residents trusted us and continue to reach out daily for any assistance.”
