Residents who were displaced by a fire in Mount Vernon say they are seeking shelter and fear homelessness ahead of holiday season.

Nearly 40 residents at 80 Gramatan Ave. in Mount Vernon were displaced following the fire last Thursday.

The Red Cross, which was dispatched by the Mount Vernon Fire Department, registered 14 households for emergency assistance.

This includes 24 adults, 13 children and three pets.

The Red Cross provides emergency assistance the first 24 to 72 hours following a disaster.

Then their case workers work alongside government and nonprofit organizations to find long-term solutions for those impacted.

Still, families are worried about the future.

As of Sunday, Linda Rodriguez and her husband say they have been sleeping on the streets.

Others were able to receive housing accommodations from local shelters.

The Red Cross says any victims who have not been helped can contact them at 1-877-RED-CROSS or go onto their website at Redcross.org for assistance.