Thursday, August 23, 2012
Local agencies are trying to help after refugee families from Bhutan, Somalia and other countries of conflict were burned out of their Columbus apartment building. The Columbus Dispatch reports the Monday night fire affected 44 units of the north Columbus building. Ten units were destroyed and others were left water-damaged or without electricity.
No injuries were reported in the fire. Investigators believe it was arson but don't know yet how or why it was set.
Many of the displaced families have been in the United States only months, or a few years at most, after being forced to flee their home countries. Three local agencies that helped resettle many of the families in America now are working to get them back on their feet.