Darby House survivors face housing crisis as funding deadline nears
Some displaced seniors have found permanent housing, but others remain in extended stay hotels with no clear path forward as July 31 approaches
Nearly a month after a three-alarm fire displaced more than 60 seniors from Darby House apartments in Henrico, some residents have found permanent housing — but others are running out of time and options.
Lorenzo Parker, who was displaced from the fire along with his mother Barbara Threatts, said he and his mother have finally found stable housing in Chesterfield County after weeks of uncertainty.
"By the grace of God, we made it here. And by the grace of God, we're going to continue to make it," Parker said.
An anonymous $50,000 donation to the United Way temporarily extended funding for extended stay hotel rooms through Friday, easing fears that Darby House's parent company, Homes for America, would no longer cover the cost. But as July 31 approaches, many displaced residents remain without a permanent home.
Parker said the financial reality facing many of his former neighbors is daunting.
"Everybody can't just jump out there on a limb and pay an extra $200 or $300," Parker said.
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