Six families that were displaced in a recent fire in Allentown say the Red Cross isn't doing enough to help them but officials with the Red Cross say that isn't the case.

Twenty-nine people were displaced after the fire ripped through six row homes last week in the 800 block of North 8th Street.

The affected families had been staying in a hotel with the help of the Red Cross but earlier this week they were told they had to move out and find their own lodging.
"We believe that as citizens here, of Allentown, we deserve a little bit of more support of what happened to us," said one victim.

"We have no money, we have nowhere to go. Where's all the help," asked another victim.

The Red Cross says its goal is to provide immediate aid to those affected by disaster then guide them to other agencies for long-term help.

Officials say the families were given the standard amount of time in the hotel plus a little extra.

"We did extend their time for a couple more nights and met some of their other needs they had at that time," said John Hughes of the Red Cross. "We also informed them that they would be eligible for additional assistance as they need it, but they need to come back and let us know what they need."

The Red Cross says it also provided the families with vouchers for food, clothing and toiletries but officials say it's up to the families to take advantage of long-term help from other agencies.