After the Bronx apartment fire tragically killed 17 people, rapper and Bronx native Cardi B pledged to cover all funeral costs for each victim.
The fire broke out on January 9th, sparking from a space heater. The apartment door with the spaced heater was left open causing the smoke to travel throughout the duplex building on East 181st St., and with it taking 17 lives and injuring many more. The devastating fire was one of the worst in decades for NYC.
Since then, the community and city have been trying to help in any way they can. Governor Kathy Hochul promised to launch a Victims Compensation Fund and Mayor Eric Adams created a donation fund to support the victim’s families.
However, additional help is on the way with Cardi B’s generous efforts. Mayor Erica Adams announced today that she’ll be partnering with the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City to cover all costs of the victim’s funerals including repatriation.
.@iamcardib is a superstar on and off the mic who makes the Bronx and our city proud every day, and we're so grateful to her and the grassroots donors who have stood up for everyone affected by last week's tragic fire.
You can still help. Visit https://t.co/osJkcX5T5m pic.twitter.com/K0IVEORdIy
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) January 19, 2022
“I’m extremely proud to be from the Bronx and I have lots of family and friends who live and work there still. So when I heard about the fire and all the victims, I knew I needed to do something to help,” said Cardi B in a statement. “I cannot begin to imagine the pain and anguish that the families of the victims are experiencing, but I hope that not having to worry about the costs associated with burying their loved ones will help as they move forward and heal.”
Already over $2.5 million has been raised by the Bronx Fire Relief Fund and donations can still be made. See here to make a donation.