Youngstown residents who were evacuated celebrate return to their routines

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – The Realty Building property has been leveled, and the debris cleared away.

Next door, the residents of International Towers have returned to their routines.

Friday, a picnic was held for those residents. Although they’ve been back for nearly a month, this was a chance to reunite without the pressure of doing it while moving back in.

“It’s a blessing. You know, been through a lot since the explosion. You know, we had to evacuate. We’ve been rough. So with them putting this party together, it’s a blessing,” said Terrance Barnes.

There were smiles everywhere — from the people who had returned home in late August after being gone nearly three months to the people who were helping them.

“We really wanted to do something to celebrate their sacrifice, and I think this was the best way to do it and come together, get them the resources, but also get them some food,” said Roxann Sebest, vice president of the United Way.

The food was a bright spot, but there was also a mobile hope conference. Local agencies were set up to provide their expertise to the 170 residents who had been affected by the displacement.

“We have folks that deal with mental health that are here today, so we wanted to deal with the whole person, so we’ll feed them, let them have a good time, and that’s very important, but more importantly, we have organizations and agencies who can assist them in getting back on track,” said Guy Burney, of CIRV.

The residents had been separated after evacuation. Now they’re back together. The group is still settling in. This picnic was a way to let them know nobody had forgotten about them.

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