Frustration mounts for Philadelphia seniors displaced again due to fire: 'This is a disgrace'

Dozens of tenants just spent 11 days in the shelter for the same problem in June.
Thursday, July 31, 2025
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Frustration is at an all-time high for several Philadelphia seniors staying at the shelter at Kensington High School for the Creative and Performing Arts for the second time in about a month due to a fire.

"Pissed off, annoyed, wishing they had taken care of the property like they should have. Should I continue?" Ann Cope said as she expressed her feelings about the situation.

Cope is one of 60 residents in the shelter.

Philadelphia firefighters evacuated nearly 200 people from Courtyard Apartments at Riverview in Philadelphia's Queen Village neighborhood on Tuesday night after its second electrical fire.

Dozens of tenants just spent 11 days in the shelter for the same problem in June.



"This is a disgrace. These people are seniors. We all are seniors," said Alvida Brooks.

American Red Cross volunteers continue to provide residents with a place to sleep, meals, hygiene items and support services.

"I'm sure it's really frustrating for the residents, and we just are doing everything we can to make it as easy as possible for them," said Alana Mauger, who is the regional communications manager of the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Mauger said they're also working with community partners to help with medical needs.

"The Philadelphia Fire Department has been amazing. They pretty much had an ambulance on site. The EMTs have been wonderful. They've been working with our population, checking blood sugar, checking blood pressure," said Mauger.



"They have been "Godsend," said Cope. "If it wasn't for them, God only knows where we would be."

However, residents said they have many concerns, including their food in their refrigerators and their health.

"I told them I need my wheelchair. 'Oh, okay. We'll bring it.' I said, 'You're going to carry a power chair 8 flights down?' I want to be the fly on the wall," said Cope.

As residents wait to learn when they can finally return home, they have this message for management: "I think it should be inspected more (and) more considerate of the neighbors that are in here," said Brooks.

"Get your act together," said Cope.



Cope said management told her the residents will be moved to a hotel on Friday.

We reached out to the owners of the building for a timeline on the repairs. We're waiting to hear back.
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