Among them is Irene Shimizu, who attended a City Council meeting Monday night seeking answers from city leaders.
"An explanation by the city council was what I was hoping for, or at least some attention," Shimizu said.
Shimizu is one of several displaced residents asking the city to issue a state of emergency declaration. She said such a declaration could provide financial relief for those rebuilding their lives, even as most have insurance.
"One of the most important things would be to make some moneys that we do get for our loss of possessions and to rebuild, it would make that not taxable," Shimizu said.
Others at the meeting echoed those concerns.
RELATED: Man arrested after allegedly leaving propane barbecue unattended, sparking Foster City fire: police
Man arrested in connection to 6-alarm Foster City condo fire: police
"We've been told that a declaration is not necessary. We strongly disagree," said resident Kelley Salomaa.
City officials, however, said they believe another form of assistance is more appropriate.
The city manager encouraged affected residents to apply for low-interest disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration.
"As we looked at this, there is no state precedent that we can find for the state to declare a disaster for a structural fire at a single location," City Manager Stefan Chatwin said.
"We think that the SBA Disaster Loan Program is that best option," Chatwin later added.
Several residents objected to that approach, arguing that additional loans would add to their financial burden.
RELATED: Search continues for 4 missing cats following 6-alarm condo fire in Foster City
"We are not looking for more debt. We are crushed under a fire with almost nothing. And then we're being told, take some more debt and oh you'll have time to pay it off," Meenakshi Tripathy said.
The City Council discussed holding another meeting about a potential state of emergency declaration, but no plans were finalized.
ABC7 Eyewitness News reached out to every member of the City Council for comment via phone and email, but did not receive a response.
"I'm very disappointed in the lack of response," Shimizu said.
Residents said they plan to continue pressing for assistance beyond the local level if necessary.
They said that if city officials do not act, they intend to take their concerns directly to the governor.