Temporary housing offers first step forward for families displaced by Midvale apartment fire

MIDVALE — Four days after a fire forced hundreds of residents from the North Union Apartments in Midvale, dozens of families are taking their first steps toward recovery not by returning home, but by finding a safe place to stay.

More than 40 families have received free temporary lodging through a partnership between United Way of Salt Lake, 211 Utah and Airbnb.org as they begin rebuilding after Friday’s fire.

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For many residents, the story has shifted from surviving the fire to finding enough stability to begin rebuilding.

“There were over 200 families displaced as a result of the fire,” said Todd McGee, managing director for 211 Utah’s Salt Lake office. “We’ve been working hard to place the displaced families in new temporary lodging so that they can get their lives back up and running.”

The fire was reported about 7:50 a.m. Friday at the North Union Apartments, 942 E. North Union Avenue. It forced the evacuation of all 220 occupied units. Firefighters battled the blaze for more than 27 hours before bringing it under control Saturday morning. Investigators said preliminary findings indicate the fire was likely caused by a mechanical issue in the attic, though the investigation remains ongoing.

From emergency shelter to temporary housing

United Way of Salt Lake activated its emergency housing partnership with Airbnb.org to help families move from emergency shelter into temporary lodging. The Salt Lake team at 211 Utah has been stationed at Union Middle School, where displaced residents can connect with housing assistance and other recovery resources.

Residents who need temporary lodging can also call 211.

After collecting a household’s information, 211 Utah submits the request to Airbnb.org for approval. Once approved, residents receive a credit in their Airbnb account, generally enough to cover about 10 days of lodging. The amount varies depending on family size and other circumstances.

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“Housing provides stability. It provides security,” McGee said. “When something devastating happens, like you lose your home in an apartment fire, we want to ensure people feel safe, secure and supported.”

McGee said housing is consistently the top need his organization sees.

About one-third of all requests made to 211 Utah statewide are related to housing assistance.

“That just speaks to the fundamental need that housing provides families,” he said.

Community steps in

The housing partnership is just one part of a much broader recovery effort.

The American Red Cross has continued assisting displaced residents while volunteers, local businesses and community organizations have stepped in with food, clothing, household items and emotional support.

“It’s been so inspiring to see the entire city, county and community come together,” McGee said. “People were just donating carloads of games and clothing and food. It has just been very inspirational to see.”

That community response has extended well beyond organized relief efforts.

Friends and neighbors have created multiple online fundraisers to help residents replace belongings lost in the fire.

According to a GoFundMe* campaign organized by friends, Cole and Lindsay lost nearly everything inside their apartment, including clothing, furniture, a guitar, artwork, cash they had been setting aside, and irreplaceable printed family photographs and handwritten letters.

Sean Fitzgerald, one of Cole’s closest friends and Lindsay’s co-worker, said the support has meant a great deal as they begin navigating what comes next.

“They’re amazing people,” Fitzgerald said. “I think they’re resilient. I know they can get through it. But we all need a little help sometimes.”

Another fundraiser was created for resident Becca Reed, whose friends described her as someone who has always shown up for others and said they wanted to return that support as she begins rebuilding.

Recovery after Midvale fire will take time

While temporary lodging provides immediate relief, McGee said recovery from a disaster like this continues long after the fire is extinguished.

“For the people who have been devastated by this event, they have a lot of rebuilding to do,” McGee said. “We’re out there. There are plenty of other organizations out there, and we’re just there to help and provide resources to anybody in need.”

Residents displaced by the fire who still need temporary housing or other recovery resources can dial 211 or visit 211Utah.org. Service navigators are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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*KSL does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.