More than 50 YWCA Canton residents displaced by a building flood returned home on Dec. 23, just in time for Christmas.

For five weeks, the majority of these residents have been temporarily staying at a local hotel while their home, YWCA Canton’s Gateway House II, was being renovated. Gateway House II flooded in mid-November when a man broke into the four-story permanent supporting housing building in downtown Canton, tore down the sprinkler system and damaged the electrical system.

The Stark County community stepped in to help and was instrumental in covering the cost of the five-week hotel stay. To date, more than $90,000 has been donated to help the YWCA and its displaced residents.

The YWCA continues to be humbled by the outpouring of support it has received since the critical incident happened.

“While the burglary and vandalism were a setback to our residents who had previously experienced homelessness, it underscored the compassion, strength and resiliency of our community,” shared Shana Smith, chief executive officer of YWCA Canton.

“Our community quickly came together, asked how we could help, and immediately took action. My heart is still overflowing with gratitude and an abundance of appreciation to everyone who offered varying degrees of support and encouragement over the past several weeks. The YWCA would not have been able to respond as quickly to the housing emergency if it wasn’t for the enduring support of our community.”

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