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Washington City Mission still under repair after fire in June

WASHINGTON, Pa. — Repairs continue at the Washington City Mission after a fire in June destroyed part of the shelter and forced residents to relocate.

Washington City Mission volunteer Anthony Zappone is excited about nine new trailers that are going up in Washington to house about 60 men who were displaced by the fire last month.

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“To have a crisis as we did and needing the community to step up, everything worked and eased the pain of this whole situation,” Zappone said.

The city mission’s CEO, Dean Gartland, told Channel 11 News that they got the idea of temporary housing from the oil and gas industry.

Since the fire, the men have been using Washington High School’s cafeteria, but Gartland said the trailers will feel more like home.

“All these trailers will be connected: four dorms, 14 beds in each dorm, showers, toilet facilities and a recreation area,” he said.

The location of the trailers is also more convenient because they’re located next to the city mission thrift store and its offices are within walking distance to the church, where all meals are being prepared.

Insurance is picking up more of the costs.

Zappone said they’re thankful for all the support they’ve received following the fire.

“I just want to thank everyone who donated. (It’s) a lot of love to get from people,” he said.

The lease on the lot where the trailers sit is for one year, so the city mission plans to have the permanent housing finished in that time period.

Meanwhile, a women’s shelter and a special place for local veterans are also in the works.

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