An effort is underway to help a Bridgeport woman who was left homeless and lost a close friend in a recent fire.

Chun Ahn, 56, says she made away with little more than the clothes she was wearing when a fire broke out above Sorrento's Importing Company on Main Street two weeks ago, leaving at least 16 people displaced.

The fire killed her longtime friend and roommate, Real Joseph Pelletier, 47, who had burns on 75 percent of his body.

A friend of Ahn's, who asked not to be named, contacted News 12, saying she has been working nonstop without success to get her temporary shelter. She says she called 211 and every resource available.

"I have a heart, and I was homeless once too,” she said. “I know what it is to be afraid, I know what it is to be cold."

Ahn says she is on several waiting lists to get into a shelter, but has not yet heard back from any agencies.