Mount Vernon residents displaced by a massive fire at Cottage and Park Avenue in late November were able to get back their security deposits on Wednesday night.

One resident News 12 spoke with made the decision not to collect hers because she has a lot of unanswered questions.

"None of us are lawyers, we don't know if there's any legal claim to being able to getting your apartment back," said Sharon Footes.

News 12 reached out to Exclusive Management to get clarity regarding the deposits and future access to the building, but did not hear back.

Others who News 12 spoke with say they did collect their checks, but they're having a tough time finding a place to live.

"It's been a little bit tough for me because this is the first time I've experienced this kind of thing," said a resident who lived at his apartment on Park Avenue for nearly 20 years.

Residents say they aren't sure when they'll be able to get back into their apartments to grab their belongings, but they know that most of it may not be salvageable.

"I've got a lot of memories, especially about my late daughter," said a resident.

Those News 12 spoke with say that at this point it's a waiting game, but they're grateful for the help they've gotten so far.