Build A Village has stepped up to help the five families and three individuals displaced after the apartment complex they were living in was destroyed by fire last week in Altona.

Ray Loewen founded the Altona-based non-profit and says the 22 residents lost everything in the blaze, leaving them quite traumatized.

"Waking up in the middle of the night realizing your building is on fire, and then frantically trying to make sure the others realize this and that everybody gets out safely," he explained. "And I guess that's one of the good news parts of the story, that everyone got out safely without major injury or loss of life."

Thanks to the quick action by management and staff at Friesens Corporation and Green Valley Equipment, Loewen says new permanent housing has been found for five of the households, members of which are employed with the local businesses. Build A Village is still searching for a single one-bedroom apartment.

According to Loewen, the community has really stepped up to help the residents with donations of household items, clothing, and cash coming in locally and from across southern Manitoba.

"It's been beautiful to see how something bad like this brings out the good in people," he said.

An updated list of the items still needed can be found here, along with information on how to make financial contributions.

Read more: Cause Determined In Altona Apartment Complex Fire