United Way Network is working to find emergency housing for nine adults, seven children and several animals living in a Valparaiso apartment building that is being shut down due to a cockroach and bedbug infestation.
Work with residents began when Porter Regional Hospital alerted United Way of Porter County to the situation on behalf of one of the residents. A health department inspector was called in to evaluate the situation and determined an eviction order was to be administered due to the unsafe conditions.
“This is exactly the complex problems United Way helps people who are teetering on the edge of disaster with every day,” said Kim Olesker, president & CEO of the United Way of Porter County. “We mobilize our partners into action to find a long-term solution to the immediate need. Disaster relief is a long-term strategy to stabilize our community.”
In addition to the infestation, the electricity was temporarily shut off to the six-unit building during the extreme heat this past Saturday. The eviction notice was served earlier this week giving tenants until tomorrow, Friday, July 26, to leave.
United Way is helping with the relocation efforts by coordinating housing and services provided by partners such as Housing Opportunities, Hilltop Neighborhood House, Porter County Aging and Community Services, New Creation’s Men Center, Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Porter County Library, Valparaiso Community Schools, Vale Park Animal Hospital, Porter Hospital, Neighbor’s Place, HealthLinc and NeighborLink Porter County.
Due to the infestation residents must leave all possessions behind. United Way is seeking monetary donations to support the resident relocation effort into interim and long-term housing. Monetary donations can be made to the United Way Disaster Relief Fund at unitedwaypc.org or by calling (219) 464-3583.