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Local
Single Mom Needs Help To Recover After Fire
MS. CHYRSTAL ANDERSON
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Ms. Chyrstal Anderson
was not home when a fire ig- nited at her apartment. But, the result of the fire was dev- astating.
Ms. Anderson said her family lost all of their posses- sions. Now, she hopes the community can assist her as she attempts to rebuild her life and replace her possessions.
A single mother, Ms. An- derson said the only things they have left were items left at her grandmother’s home. Now, she has to replace cloth- ing and other items belonging to her daughters, T’Onnie, age 10, and Carrissa, age 2; and sons, Xavier, age 8, and
T’Onnie, Xavier, Zaiquan, and Carrissa lost all of their posses- sions in the fire.
5-year-old Zaiquan.
The Tampa Fire Depart-
ment responded to the two- alarm blaze at the Westchester Manor Apartments on Janu- ary 21st, at approximately 2 a.m.
When firefighters arrived, they found heavy smoke and flames coming from the roof of the two-story building. Ad- ditional units responded be- cause of the size of the building that contained 8 apartments. It took about an hour before the fire was brought under control, offi- cials said.
The cause of the fire has not
been determined, but officials said all of the occupants exited the building and were ac- counted for. The fire left seven families displaced. One of the units was vacant, the spokesperson said.
A Tampa native, Ms. An- derson was unemployed at the time of the fire. “I didn’t have renters insurance and we need everything,” the 28-year- old mother said.
Ms. Anderson has estab- lished a gofundme account.
Anyone wishing to donate can visit www.gofundme.com/4xmq2s 58.
Robles Park Resident Council Leader Makes Big Impact
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
Never before in the history of the Robles Park Public Housing Complex have the residents had a Resident Council President as resilient and ambitious as Reva Iman.
Initially met with a lot of resistance, Iman has man- aged to change what had been accepted as standard behavior on behalf of the residents, and created an atmosphere of progress and closeness that hadn’t existed before.
Iman, who is constantly in contact with the Tampa Hous- ing Authority to take advan- tage of their resident programs, is now trying to get a community garden at the complex that will be located close to the Resident Council Office building.
“This will be beneficial for the residents and the children will plant, water, and take care of the garden. Plots will be issued per person with an education lesson on garden- ing along with a written re- port from the kids on the process and finished product.
“We are also reaching out to the community for help for the families and children of Robles Park, and we are open- ing a community library and computer center. We want to
REVA IMAN
make Robles Park a very safe and wonderful community with the help of the people, and we believe it is possible. We are also rolling out a web- site in March.”
The Resident Council will be accepting donations in the form of books for kids (color- ing and activity books as well), adult books, educa- tional movies, and even com- puters.
Anyone able to donate or knows of other organizations that can be contacted, please call (813) 295-0955. Please leave all donations at the Res- ident Council Office, 3518 North Avon Avenue.
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