The city of Sunnyvale is reviewing its response to the Twin Pines Manor Apartment fire in April that left 170 people temporarily without homes.
Lt. Vinny Mata of the Department of Public Safety gave a presentation to the city council Aug. 23 summarizing the city’s response to the fire that damaged the 81-unit complex on Sunnyvale-Saratoga Road.
According to Mata, the response to the April 15 blaze was quick and the American Red Cross was contacted for assistance in processing and sheltering the displaced residents. The Red Cross was called during a time when many of its volunteers were away at training so residents and city staff were on hand as volunteers. The city suggested creating a contingency plan in the event of a similar situation.
The Sunnyvale Senior Center was converted into a temporary shelter by the Red Cross and city staff while VTA shuttled displaced tenants to the center. More than 60 people were initially housed in the senior center and five pets were recovered from the complex and housed in the county’s animal shelter, according to the presentation.
By April 18 the temporary shelter was placing families in other housing situations and those who needed it were given hotel vouchers. Mata told the council he had high praise for Sunnyvale Community Services, which took over the victims case management from the Red Cross after the first two days. Mata said the response was “just absolutely outstanding.”
“If you think about the response, DPS was involved for a few hours. [Sunnyvale Community Services] have been involved with this recovery for four months now,” said Mata.
According to Marie Bernard, executive director of Sunnyvale Community Services, 69 of the 70 families have obtained permanent housing as of press time. The remaining family is reviewing potential rental properties.
Following the fire, the city council approved $150,000 from the city’s housing fund to assist the victims and residents raised $33,014 through a GoFundMe campaign. According to city staff, the Twin Pines property owner plans to eventually repair the apartment complex.
Mata also praised the work of the council, residents and particularly City Manager Deanna Santana for her efforts in organizing the city’s response.
“I get a lot of comments saying ‘What happened in that fire and where did all those people go?’ and when I tell the story of everyone who got involved and how fast it went they say ‘Yeah, that’s why we live in Sunnyvale’,” said Councilwoman Tara Martin-Milius.
