The 5-alarm fire was one of the worst in decades for NYC, claiming 17 lives including children and injuring 60 others. It broke out in the duplex building on East 181st St. around 11 a.m., and over 200 firefighters combated the flames as the day wore on.
The cause of the fire was a space heater that had been running in an apartment, and the door in the apartment being left open so smoke traveled through.
In order to help the community start to recover from this horrendous event, we’ve compiled the efforts the city is making to help, and what you can be a part of that too:
Donate Money
- GoFundMe set up by local community organizer. All proceeds will be distributed to the families by the Gambian Youth Organization (GYO), many of whose members’ homes were destroyed in the fire.
- Mayor’s Fund: The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, in partnership with Mayor Eric Adams and The City of New York, is raising money to support victims of this tragic event. Your cash donation will enable the distribution of emergency relief supplies and provide support for the victims and their families. Your entire donation will go towards helping those impacted by the fire.
Donate Goods
- First Spanish United Methodist Church at 163 E 111th St., Manhattan. Tuesday, January 11 from 10 a.m-6 p.m.
- GYO (Gambian Youth Organization) at 214 E 181 St., The Bronx. (Collecting: coats, socks, gloves, personal hygiene items, water, drinks, packaged food, etc.). You can also sign up to be a volunteer here.
- Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia’s Office [West Bronx], 2175C Jerome Ave, The Bronx: Mon & Wed 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tues, Thurs & Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Department of Education – Bronx Borough Citywide Office (BCO) [East Bronx]: 1230 Zerega Avenue, The Bronx. Mon – Fri 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- The Picture House on 175 Wolfs Ln, during and after business hours. For more info, call 914-738-7337.
The request for the most-needed items are: toiletries (toothbrush/paste, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, baby safe soaps, etc,), Pampers (especially size 5), underwear and bras (packaged/tagged for sanitary security), pillows, towels and washcloths.
We are collecting donations and relief supplies to assist the families affected by the fire in the Bronx today including new clothes, gift cards, baby items, and toiletries. Donations can be dropped off at various offices and locations through Friday, January 14th. Please share! pic.twitter.com/rXC1PdBfej
— Bronx Democratic Party (@bronxdems) January 10, 2022
You can find more options in this master list created by Twitter user @cynthia4nyc on Google Docs. here.
Help for Victims
- As part of Governor Hochul’s NY State budget later this month, there will be a Victims Compensation Fund to help the victims of this tragedy “get the support they need and deserve.”
As part of my budget later this month, we will be launching a Victims Compensation Fund to help the victims of this tragedy get the support they need and deserve.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) January 9, 2022
- Volunteer legal advice for fire victims is available here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdMf2mK-U-fIDS6FAxpT9MCXWT6RlU-EGrHDxb-kc6pTbuZ3Q/viewform
- Those affected can text “181STFIRE” to 692692 for updates about resources and services available
All flags in NYC will remain at half-staff until sunset on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 to honor those lost.