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3 Weeks After Tornado, North Mpls. Living Conditions Tough

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Hundreds of homes were damaged when a tornado hit North Minneapolis on May 22. Trees crashed into cars, and roofs and walls were ripped off homes and buildings. Now, nearly 3 weeks later, and living conditions are still tough for a lot people.

Parts of the city have taken on a "Ghost Town" feel. Some homes are too heavily damaged for people to stay in, while others say they have no other choice.

"It's depressing," said Zeanna Robinson. "It's depressing to have to look at it in this shape and condition."

Robinson lives with her four children in one of those damaged house. Broken glass is still an issue, as is some water that continues to drip through her roof.

"It stresses you out when you are on limited resources, limited funds, things like that," said Robinson.

Peter Kerre was so taken aback by what he's seen, that he flew here from New York to see if he could help in any way. He's been door-knocking and says what he's seen in some homes is shocking.

Kerre says some people are still living with holes in their floors, and raw sewage in their basements.

"Most of these houses I'm knocking on, when I speak to them, they have kids who are traumatized. Kids who, you know, have to see all this and they are living in terrible conditions," said Kerre.

They are conditions that have put Marcus Western in the doghouse -- literally.

"I live right up in that dog house," said Western. "I keep all my stuff up in that truck. I have so much stuff. It's all piled up."

Western says he stayed in a hotel a couple nights, but ran out of money. Now he stays in the doghouse so he can keep an eye on what's left of his belongings.

"I am just thankful to be alive," said Western. "I'm thankful to be alive."

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