WORCESTER, Mass. - Plumley Village residents who were forced out of their apartments last week due to an electrical fire are growing impatient with the repair process as contractors work toward a temporary fix. 

More than 100 families were evacuated from the high rise in the early morning hours of Thanksgiving, many of them only bringing a few belongings. Some people have since been able to return to their apartments briefly, but others are still waiting.

"I don't even have clothes right now, I've been wearing the same outfit for a whole week because of this situation," said Joanna Pereiro. "What am I supposed to do?"

On Tuesday, contractors began installing an interim system to restore power. The Community Builders, a nonprofit which owns and operates the Plumley Village Residential Community, hopes the fix will have residents back inside at some point over the coming days. 

Pereiro, who has lived in the building for 18 years, is worried about what could happen if she's kept out much longer. 

"I have medical problems, and this is extremely inconvenient for me," Pereiro said. "My visiting nurse is supposed to come see me tomorrow and she can't because I'm not in the apartment and they don't do outside visits. For me, it's really frustrating."

Like most residents, Pereiro has requested an appointment to go inside and get her belongings, but it won't be a quick turnaround. She's scheduled to have access on Thursday, which will mark a full week since she had to evacuate. 

"Nobody is doing anything, nobody is doing enough," Pereiro said. "We're supposed to just sit here in this hotel and wait until everything is okay, but when is that going to be?"

Meanwhile, 81 out of 120 displaced households have opted to stay in temporary hotel housing provided by The Community Builders. They've also been offered gift cards for meal purchases. Those who decided to take a room said the situation isn't sustainable for some families. 

"They have kids, kids have to go somewhere and run around," said Edna Parilla. "They don't want that, so it's complicated."

Tuesday's announcement of an interim system, however, has likely spared residents of an even lengthier timetable. City manager Eric Batista said permanent repairs are expected to take much longer.

"There are some challenges in getting the right equipment in an adequate amount of time," Batista said. "The Community Builders is doing everything they can to make sure they bring these families back, but unfortunately it's something that's out of their hands and out of our hands as well in terms of what may slow down the process."

District 2 city councilor Candy Mero-Carlson said the community has been rising to the occasion with donations for displaced residents.

"The community has certainly rallied around in terms of giving gift cards and donations, snacks and water while these folks are in a hotel," Mero-Carlson said. 

Anyone who wants to help out can drop off gift cards, bottled water and non-perishable food to the Plumley Village Job Development Center at 16 Laurel Street. Donations are being accepted through December 2 any time from 9 am to 4 pm.