FORDHAM HEIGHTS, the Bronx — A horrific fire in a Bronx building killed 17, including eight children, and left many without a home on Sunday.
In the wake of the blaze, 21 families were displaced from their homes, according to the Red Cross. Resident Jessica Valdez was close to tears looking at the outpouring of love and support from fellow New Yorkers.
“I’m overwhelmed because I never, ever expected to be in such a situation,” she said.
The Red Cross was on scene to help and, along with NYC Emergency Management, opened a reception center at The Angelo Patri Middle School located at 2190 Folin Street in the Bronx. They advised people could call 877-RED CROSS for assistance. Red Cross officials said they would open a help center on Monday at Monroe College, Ustin Hall, 2375 Jerome Avenue from noon to 8 p.m.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson spoke with the PIX11 Morning News about what the city is doing to help victims and displaced residents:
A GoFundMe was launched to help building residents. More than $30,000 was raised in the hours after the fundraiser started. Hours later, that number had jumped to more than $150,000.
By Monday morning, over $268,000 had been raised.
NYC Emergency Management set up Notify NYC short code messaging; New Yorkers can text 181STFIRE to 692692 for alerts in English, Spanish & French.
Residents were also advised to call 311 for help reaching people impacted by the fire. People living outside New York City can call 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675).
In the wake of a fatal fire in the Bronx, the Bronx division of the Salvation Army is reaching out — and helping others contribute as well.
Mayor Eric Adams said there would be social and emotional support at schools in the community.
He noted the building housed a large Muslim and immigrant population. Adams said anyone can reach out for help without worrying their name will be turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Adams said the city was running a fundraiser for victims of the fire.
“You can always count on New Yorkers to fight for their neighbors,” he tweeted.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said New York State would set up a victim compensation fund.
Sen. Chuck Schumer said there would also be immigration assistance so families can be reunited. “We pledge to do whatever we can at the federal level,” he said.
State Sen. Geraldo Rivera said people could contact his office at 718-933-2034 for help.
Community leaders said clothing and toiletry donations can be brought to the Bronx office of the NYC Department of Education at 1230 Zerega Avenue from Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.
Editor’s note: Mayor Eric Adams announced a revised, slightly lower death toll on Monday afternoon.
