United Way accepting donations as more than 140 people remain displaced after apartment explosion

 United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley is asking for monetary donations to support more than 140 residents who remain displaced after the explosion at the Phoenix House apartments in Austintown.

The November 22 blast forced seniors, disabled residents and low-income tenants from their homes after part of the building near North Meridian Road and Interstate 680 was heavily damaged.

United Way officials said displaced residents now have temporary places to stay, currently living in hotels, assisted living facilities, nursing homes or with family and friends.

United Way Vice President Roxann Sebest said the housing is temporary but emphasized that no one will be without a place to stay until a permanent plan is in place.

“They all have housing and will not be removed from anything until we find them a more permanent solution," she said. 

Sebest said finding long-term accommodations remains difficult and described the situation as part of a broader housing shortage in the region.

“It is a housing crisis in this area, from funding at the federal level all the way down,” she said, “Finding enough housing for them and displacing more than 140 residents is just adding to that stress.”

She said United Way is working with Direction Home, Catholic Charities, the American Red Cross, the Mahoning County Land Bank and other local agencies to coordinate support.

The organizations are using donations to pay for hotel stays, providing meals and supplying residents with essential items and vouchers for clothing and household necessities.

On Giving Tuesday, United Way launched a fundraising campaign with a $50,000 goal.

The organization said that 100 percent of donations will go directly to victims, with no administrative fees deducted.

Meanwhile, investigators are still working to determine the final cause of the explosion.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office reported earlier that the blast pattern was consistent with a natural gas explosion.

Austintown Fire Chief Dave Schertzer said insurance investigators are likely now examining the building, a process that could take months.

Anyone who wishes to donate can do so here.