Portion of Gentilly Ridge Apartments residents return home, others remain displaced

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Just two days after a five-alarm fire at the Gentilly Ridge Apartment complex in New Orleans East, several residents have been allowed to return home.

The Director of New Orleans Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Collin Arnold, says crews have restored power as they continue to inspect the apartments for damage.

“There’s obviously still in that first building quite a bit of damage, and I don’t think people will be going back there anytime soon. And then part of one of the other buildings has sustained, mainly some water and smoke damage. And that’s going to have to be, you know, mitigated before people are allowed to go back,” said Arnold.

One resident says she is thankful that her apartment was saved, but she is also worried about other residents who were not as lucky.

“Best thing that ever happened. You know, I could have been… This whole house could have all been burned out. With the grace of God, it didn’t, but some people who lost their homes, I hope they can find somewhere,” said Gentilly Ridge tenant Joy Mitchell.

Another resident says everything she owned was damaged, and that she feels forgotten by officials.

“I need them to help everybody, not certain categories. Everybody who’s affected. Not just the dog, cat, certain ones. Help everyone, even without kids, you singling off, like nothing ever happened to us,” said a Gentilly Ridge tenant.

Arnold says as of Thursday, only 23 people were staying at the Joe Brown Recreation Center.

Though it’s unclear how long it will remain a shelter, Arnold says they may soon be moved to hotels, where those allowed to return home had been staying.

He also reminds residents to contact their case manager and the complex’s owners.

“What we’re understanding is that apartment complex, the ownership has other apartments in the city and complexes in the city, and they’re going to do what they can to try, and particularly for those in the 6000 Chef building, that front building, which was heavily damaged,” said Arnold.

The group “Destined for Options” is at the Joe Brown Center to provide donated clothing and to manage intake, sorting and distribution.

United Way of Southeast Louisiana and the City of New Orleans launched the Gentilly Ridge Fire Relief Fund to provide direct housing support and essential resources for the individuals and families impacted.

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