The county is working to help the more than 30 residents displaced by a fire at Interfaith Works women’s shelter at Crabbs Branch in Derwood.
On the Fourth of July last week, an electrical fire started in the kitchen ceiling, damaging the shelter’s kitchen and bathroom areas.
34 women and 16 staff were displaced, according to Interfaith Works. Residents were relocated to a temporary facility. They are not expected to return for at least two months.
On Monday, County Council President Andrew Friedson said the county’s Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) has been helping coordinate services for those impacted. In situations like this one, OEMHS coordinates the response, with county agencies like Health and Human Services, and with local nonprofits — likely rapid response housing organizations in this case, Friedson said. Case workers are also involved in the effort to find needed resources and housing in a timely manner.
“There’s not a lot of extra space, so to speak, but it’s worked out on a case-by-case basis,” Friedson said during a briefing Monday.
Friedson expressed appreciation for response efforts and “our thoughts for the residents who are facing the significant disruption to their lives and their livelihoods.”
Interfaith Works is accepting donations to help cover the cost of replacing supplies and staff equipment and to allow residents to do laundry and access transportation.
