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‘Going to be a long time:’ Residents displaced by Miami Gardens apartment fire ponder future

After a call from a concerned loved one, Nidia Lau rushed over to the condo building she shared with her husband Rey and their 18-year-old shih tzu Banti.

The 61-year-old, upon arriving, would soon come to grips with the hardship that they’re facing. Lau and her husband were among the 105 people displaced after a fire engulfed dozens of units at a two-story apartment building at 395 NW 177th St. in Miami Gardens on Saturday morning.

The couple’s first-floor apartment, which they purchased in 2012, was flooded in the blaze after the roof collapsed. They were able to salvage some of their documents and Lau’s work uniforms.

In the meantime, they’re staying at a shelter at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex, almost five miles from the condo building. Lau frantically paces around the hallway — sometimes carrying Banti, sometimes chatting on the phone — as she processes the shock of the last two days.

The entrance of the shelter at Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex.
The entrance of the shelter at Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex.

Lau has a slew of concerns floating in her mind. The apartment complex was deemed uninhabitable, and residents won’t be able to return for at least a year. Yet the condo management association wants to collect fees — even while residents are without homes.

On top of that, she’s also confronting a tough choice for her senior dog, who can’t see nor hear.

Nidia Lau’s 18-year-old shih tzu Banti eats in a kennel at the shelter.
Nidia Lau’s 18-year-old shih tzu Banti eats in a kennel at the shelter.

“I’m thinking of putting him to sleep,” she said in Spanish. “Even though the thought hurts me.”

The emotion is palpable in the sunken faces that roam the shelter’s hallways. Some find ways to smile and joke through the trauma. Others are reflective, empathizing with neighbors and stepping outside for fresh air.

“It’s going to be a long time,” a woman told a neighbor. “It’s going to be a long time.”

Community takes first steps toward rebuilding

The South Florida Red Cross doesn’t have a final count on how many people were displaced, but regional communications manager Tiffany Gonzalez told the Miami Herald that more than 50 residents were temporarily housed at the recreational complex as of Sunday. Another 15, who have found shelter with family or friends, have requested services from the nonprofit.

“It’s gonna be a long recovery for many of the families,” Miami Gardens Councilman Robert Stephens said. “But we are committed as a city to do everything possible to put our resources behind them, to aid in the system as much as possible.”

On Sunday, Councilwoman Linda Julien introduced herself to the families at the shelter and asked them what they needed. She listened to their stories, offering kind words and support.

Julien, an adjunct professor at Miami Dade College, said a few of her students and real estate colleagues have reached out to help residents find homes.

“To see that outpouring of love coming from the community, it truly is a blessing,” Julien added.

For Lau, the support she has received gives her hope during a trying time. She has coworkers at Walmart who are buying her and her husband new clothes; a daughter who set up a GoFundMe; and hot meals, services and compassion from Red Cross volunteers.

READ MORE: Here’s how to support residents displaced by major fire at a Miami Gardens condo building

Nidia Lau, 61, holds her 18-year-old shih tzu Banti near her apartment complex on Saturday. Lau was among the 105 people displaced after a fire engulfed dozens of units at a two-story apartment building at 395 NW 177th St. in Miami Gardens.
Nidia Lau, 61, holds her 18-year-old shih tzu Banti near her apartment complex on Saturday. Lau was among the 105 people displaced after a fire engulfed dozens of units at a two-story apartment building at 395 NW 177th St. in Miami Gardens.

“I’m being treated like family here,” Lau noted. “Even better than family.”

Though many lost everything, Julien said she is thankful that no one lost their life. She said tears streamed down her face at church Sunday morning when she thought about the tragedy.

Lau, holding back sobs, turned to Julien before embracing her.

“God will provide,” Lau said.