‘A grab-and-go’ displaced residents of Cranston apartment allowed inside for few minutes to grab belongings

On Monday- all 39 families were told they had to find a new home.

CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE)- All 39 families who were displaced by a partial collapse in a Cranston apartment building, now learning it will be months before they can return to their home- if they choose to do so.

Residents receiving the news Monday night in a meeting with Cranston Mayor Hopkins and other city officials, saying no one would be able to return for at least 90 days while the building is placed under construction- after the building was deemed unlivable.

On Tuesday some of the displaced residents, seen returning back to the complex to grab some of their belongings, while escorted by fire department officials. Many residents- calling this a ‘grab and go’.

A spokesperson for Mayor Hopkins told ABC6 the residents have a minimum of 90 days before they can return home, and that number is fluid. At Tuesday’s meeting, the mayor reiterated that residents needed to shift their focus from returning to the apartments to finding a new home.

Displaced resident Josh Audette said in the few minutes he was allowed inside his apartment- he made sure to grab money, clothes and his dog’s ashes.

“I don’t have much in my apartment- this is one of the things that mean the most of me… now I at least know she’s safe,” Audette says while looking at his small crate of belongings, with his dog’s ashes resting on top.

Audette, like many others, say the uncertainty of future housing plans is beyond nerve-wracking. Other residents, too shaken up to speak with ABC6 on camera, saying the same.

“I mean I’m wearing dirty clothes right now… I feel disgusting for more than a few reasons- one of them the fact that I’m watching them tear down my home is certainly one of them,” displaced resident Elija Hernandez says while watching the construction begin on his old home. He and his fiancé, now looking for long-term housing options but say it’s not easy to find something affordable.

In the meantime, he says he feels lucky to have family nearby they can stay with in this transition period, as he knows many do not.

A spokesperson for Mayor Hopkins says as of now, the displaced residents have arrangements to stay at the Hilton in Providence through Thursday but they are working to extend that. CCAP is covering the Hilton stay for income-eligible residents until August 6.

The spokesperson said St. Vincent DuPaul will work with non-income-eligible residents to secure new housing.

They also want to make sure all residents have the chance to grab any belongings inside the building before the construction begins full swing.

The Mayor’s office adds they are working to help residents find long-term, affordable options for all who need it.

ABC6 reached out to Attorney Andrew Bilodeau who is representing the apartment complex but have not heard back.