Sep 8, 2017 5 min read

In the 59 days since the residents of a Washington apartment building fled its collapse, starting over with no home and minimal belongings has been a challenge.

“We could be a lot better,” said Kayle Crouch, who lived in the building for about a year with her two children and mother, Terri Edwards.

Crouch, who works at Shop ‘n Save, is staying with her boyfriend, and Edwards is living with relatives.

Like many of the residents, Crouch has received temporary assistance from American Red Cross after the July 12 collapse on North Main Street in Washington. She was able to retrieve some of the family’s belongings, but not many.

“It’s hard. My 4-year-old is still upset with what happened,” Crouch said. “Hopefully, me and my mom can find a place together.”

Several agencies provided essentials, including shelter, food and clothing, in the immediate aftermath. Local organizations have taken up collections and held fundraisers for the displaced residents, but the number of people living in the apartment at the time of the collapse, and their identities, has been difficult to determine.

According to Dan Tobin, spokesman for the Western Pennsylvania American Red Cross, the organization assisted nine family units, which included 16 adults and two children, although he didn’t know if all residents were assisted.

A city of Washington rental registration from September 2016, submitted by building owner Mark Russo, identifies eight residents but does not include Megan Angelone, the woman who was rescued after being trapped for nine hours under a refrigerator, or the man with whom she was living, Nathan Engott.

Emergency responders said eight people evacuated the building, but it was not known how many were living there and not home during the collapse.

Pastor John Miller of Life Church Washington has collected donations from parishioners and the community, and hosted a benefit for the victims July 25. The dinner, which was sponsored by several local businesses and held at Presidents Pub, brought in about $2,000.

Miller has distributed a portion of the money to Angelone and a couple who remain homeless, but hasn’t been able to get an accurate list of residents.

“I’m still trying to get an idea of how many people we can try to help with limited resources,” Miller said.

The Washington Wild Things collected donations and half the funds from walk-up ticket sales at three games. The total – $4,656 – was divided and given to the Salvation Army and American Red Cross, both of which assisted after the collapse.

“I was impressed by the cash donations we collected. The people of Washington are very generous,” said Christine Blaine, Wild Things director of marketing and communications. “I think everybody’s hearts went out to those people. What a life-changing and horrible event.”

Blueprints, formerly Community Action Southwest, was able to contact six residents to determine if they could help with housing.

“We can direct them toward places to look for affordable housing, which can be a tough thing,” said Blueprints Chief Executive Officer Darlene Bigler.

In order to receive financial assistance, which includes a security deposit and month’s rent, a person’s housing has to meet certain Department of Housing and Urban Development guidelines.

Bigler said one family was able to use that assistance.

Dennis McCullough, who lived in the building for 13 years, found another Washington apartment in which to live.

Workers with contractor Allegheny Crane Rental were able to retrieve some essential items for McCullough and other residents July 31.

“I’m hanging in there. I got some of the items,” said McCullough, who is getting help from family. “I own a bunch of copyrights. I got back some of the records. That’s a dozen years of work. I’m still missing furniture, clothing, electronic gear.”

McCullough said he and several other residents are being assisted with legal matters by the Fair Housing Law Center.

Angelone’s aunt, Lisa Gresh, told the Observer-Reporter Aug. 24 Angelone, 37, was about to be transferred from UPMC-Presbyterian hospital to a rehabilitation facility. Angelone, who has undergone about 30 procedures on her legs and hips, was not yet able to walk.

Gresh could not be reached for an update.

Building owners and siblings Mark and Melissa Russo face a list of building code citations on the apartment. The hearing on those citations, which was continued Aug. 24, has not yet been rescheduled.

As crews work to bring the building down to a secure level, North Main Street remains closed to through traffic from Beau Street to Chestnut Street, although the public parking lot is accessible.

Mayor Scott Putnam said the city’s solicitor is in talks with the Russos’ insurance company about paying for demolition. He is hoping the first phase will be complete by the end of next week, at which time the road could reopen.