The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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August 30, 2009

Monty aids burned-out residents

City rebuilding apartment complex

By Brian Ojanpa

MONTGOMERY — A series of fundraisers has generated about $45,000 for residents made homeless following a February apartment building fire in Montgomery.

Money has been divided equally among the 41 tenants of Park Manor, a city-owned, federally funded housing complex for low-income people.

Meantime, plans proceed on schedule for on-site reconstruction of the structure, which was razed in late June.

“The asbestos removal was a lot of hassle, but we got 100 percent of the insurance settlement,” City Administrator Steve Helget said.

New construction could begin in spring, with re-opening a year later, he said. At this point it’s unknown whether the new complex will contain 41 units — the federally mandated maximum for a town Montgomery’s size.

Park Manor was the only income-based housing complex in the Le Sueur County town of 3,200 residents.

“I think everyone has found some form of permanent lodging,” Helget said of residents who have moved in with family, friends or into other rental properties in town and beyond.

Linda Ruhland, volunteer coordinator of a donated-supplies depot in the town’s former library, said volunteers have helped house displaced tenants, and the community’s generosity with its donations has been inspiring.

She said she’s distributed household goods aplenty, including more than 100 quilts made by members of local church groups.

“And we’ve had toasters, microwave ovens. It’s just awesome. We were very fortunate.”

Ruhland, a member of the Park Manor board now and before the fire, said it’s unlikely that former tenants will move back enmasse to the new building.

“If we got half back, I’d be surprised because most have moved on. Some are in assisted living.”

Ruhland, who scavenges garage sales to replenish the supply room and cater to people’s stated needs, said she has become committed to the cause.

“It’s more than I thought it was going to be, but my heart just went out to those people and I couldn’t let them down.”

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