NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Nearly a dozen units are damaged in a tightly packed community across the street from Ocean View Beach.
The most significant damage is to a townhome in between the Beach Comber Apartments and the Port View Condominiums. The damage is extensive on three neighboring structures.
Caretakers with the Hope House Foundation are called heroes for hearing burning noises and quickly alerting others to evacuate at the Beach Comber Apartments.
“Thankfully, we had two [people] working last night who heard a noise and came out, found flames and immediately called 911,” said Shannon Pociask, Hope House Foundation executive director. “Then they called her coworker and supported the gentleman to get out of his unit, which was the one closest to the fire. It had smoke in the unit, they were able to pull them out and then further evacuated everybody else at the complex.
“They’re probably just going to tell you that the just did their job, but they really are heroes who saved lives, really. So, I’m very grateful.”
Said Pociask:, “We’re just so thankful that they were here to be able to respond so calmly.”
Hope House supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who live independently in their own apartment or home.
“Today’s thought is making sure everybody’s safe,” Pociask said, “making sure the staff are feeling supported. This was really tragic, middle of the night situation.”
The man was rescued, but sadly, his cat of about 15 years did not survive.
“He’s doing OK,” Pociask said. “Thankfully, we have tremendous staff who went into action.”
The client’s home and another unit under renovation are now unlivable.
“We are renovating multiple units,” she said. “We would like to be able to support two or three more people. We’re renovating those apartments. Some of the work has already been damaged. … When you add water after a fire, the damage really is more.”
Eric Crafton, with Crafton remodeling, was leading the Hope House renovation project.
“Everything is under water,” Crafton said. “We’ve got brand new cabinets that are sitting in the water. They are probably no good. We’ve got flooring that’s underwater. I’ve got tools around the corner that’s under water.”
For the last month, Crafton said he’s made relationships with those in the community, including veterans.
“I’m a vet,” Crafton said. “I’ve got a couple of kids, actually I have three, that are in the military. So, I understand how it goes. They are all nice people. We’ve been here a little over four weeks now. I’ve gotten to know some of them, and they are really nice. You’ll waive at them, they enjoy it, they smile.”
For him, the hard part was over, but now it’s a different story.
“We would have been out of here completely in both units in about two weeks,” Crafton said.
The American Red Cross is assisting the families impacted.
“I don’t know what to do,” Crafton said. “I feel bad for the people that were living here, that is for sure.”
The resident receiving assistance from Hope House is now living in another apartment provided by Hope House.
“We have another apartment that was vacant nearby,” Pociask said. “Staff, maintenance, and everybody helped to move him to another apartment, coordinating his care and making sure he’s getting the services that he needs.”
The damaged row of Beach Comber apartments is now boarded up, with a condemned sign. The hope is that more people come forward.
“Anybody else who wants to help reach out,” Pociask said.
“We just have so many great community supporters and we are already so thankful,” Pociask said. “But anybody else who wants to help reach out, if you want to donate specifically to the fire, you can put OV Fire in the memo line for Ocean View Fire. We’ll know that’s exactly what you want to be supporting for Hope House Foundation.”
Want to help?
If you would like to help Hope House Foundation continue to assist adults with developmental disabilities visit https://hope-house.org/get-involved/donate/#donatesec.