MUSKEGON, Mich. — Almost a month after a pipe burst at Nelson Place Apartments in Muskegon, forcing dozens from their homes, many remain in need of community help.
According to Virginia Taylor, a member of the board of directors for the Nelson Neighborhood Association, 62 units inside the complex had to be vacated. That means at least that many people are without a place to live.
Now, as crews still work to clean up the damage, Taylor is working with several local organizations to help get resources for the displaced residents.
"They need a lot of help coordinating and navigating all the complexities of even accessing their insurance," said Taylor.
After meeting with many of them last week, she said cash is the biggest need for people needing a place to live.
"We're just asking people, out of the generosity of the heart, if they'd like to help a senior, we need funding to to put at least three people in a hotel," she said.
According to Taylor, there are at least 20 residents who did not have renter's insurance, and a temporary home is costing all they have.
"There's two that have spent everything they have in their savings, in their checks that have come in, paying for the hotel themselves," said Taylor. "And those individuals are going to need help with that."
You can also help even if you don't have money to spare.
Taylor said they are looking for both time spent helping people figure out how to access their insurance benefits, or anyone who can spare a place for people to live in.
"We don't have a lot of vacancies here in Muskegon," she said.
If you want to help out, you can contact Taylor at virginiaktaylor@gmail.com. Donations are also being accepted by the Mission For Area People, which you can visit by clicking here. She says you can also mail a check to 2500 Jefferson Street, Muskegon, MI 49444.
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