Milwaukee family seeks community help after house fire

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A Milwaukee family who lost nearly everything in a fire says they are desperate for help. Their home in an apartment complex near 27th and Ramsey went up in flames. The fire left several residents without clothes, food, or shelter.

Residents say most of the lower level homes in the 27 unit complex had minor damage but the same can’t be said for the rest of them, which lost nearly everything.

“When we ran out they [the children] didn’t have any shoes, clothes, or anything on,” says Monica Sanchez, resident of the complex who lost everything.

Sanchez and her three boys ran out of their apartment after seeing heavy smoke.

“There were firemen getting the elders of the building out of the window,” says Sanchez. “We were able to go back for five minutes and get what we could. I got some diapers and a couple of things I needed for the kids.”

Everything else was a loss including the family pets, three parrots.

“The kids beds, our bed, all our clothes, our furniture, everything,” says Sanchez.

The Red Cross stepped in and helped families like Sanchez for the first 48 hours with shelter, money, and some necessities.

“We’ve gotten help here and there but we’re just taking it day by day,” says Sanchez.

But now the family is in limbo. The boys ages 11, 8, and 3 are currently staying with family members, Sanchez and her boyfriend are relying on their friends.

“What are we going to do,” questions Sanchez with tears in her eyes. “Where are we going to go?”

Sanchez says she’s spoken with other families from the complex who are also looking for answers.

While she says their damaged items can be replaced, she admits it’s difficult starting from ground zero.

“There are lots of families in my building that still have nowhere to go with their kids. We just need help. As a community, if anyone can help,” says Sanchez.

Milwaukee Fire Department says the cause of the fire is still under investigation at this time.

The Sanchez family has a gofundme account set-up to help with everyday necessities.

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