MERIDEN, CT (WFSB) -
Women woke up Tuesday not knowing where they were going to go after a fast-moving fire swept through a multi-family home in Meriden Monday night.
The fire broke out at the home on Cook Avenue, and fire officials said that within minutes the fire spread from the first floor to the second. Emergency crews rushed to the scene and made quick work on the fire, but the flames destroyed much of what was inside the home.
The Connecticut chapter of the American Red Cross is assisting two families with five children in each family.
"I was yelling, 'Get outta the house, get out,'" said Jess Cardona, who lived in the home on Cook Avenue. "My kids ran out with just their shoes and coats on."
When the families returned to their apartments, the units were filled with smoke and soot and only a few belongings were able to be salvaged.
"We're here just trying to get whatever we could for the next couple days," said Susan Lewis.
The families are staying at local hotels for next few nights after receiving vouchers from the American Red Cross.
"Tomorrow's the second day so what happens to us, and our nine kids," Cardona said. "Day three, what are we gonna do? What are me and Jess going to do?"
The families met with the Department of Social Services in Middletown.
"They said they can't help us because we don't receive cash assistance because we'd rather work and take care of our families," Lewis said. "I just recently lost my job and Jess still works, but we don't receive welfare money and because of that, they can't help us."
Eyewitness News talked to officials at the Department of Social Services and put the women in touch with the manager. They were offered a shelter in Bridgeport.
"But we're in Meriden, kids go to school here, we just lost everything and want to be normal," Cardona said.
Later in the day, the women learned that the Department of Social Services has offered to cover the costs of a week's stay in the hotel and the American Red Cross has offered the families additional vouchers to help them with additional lodging.
A complete stranger is also assisting the families by giving them clothes.
"My daughters were all saying we have all these clothes need to donate," said neighbor Robin Nelson.
At least one of the women has renters insurance, which will help cover the cost after their hotel stay is through.
The cause of the fire is believed to be electrical. However, the fire is still under investigation.
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