How to help victims of the Bronx apartment building fire
Gov. Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro and other leaders brief the press after Sunday’s deadly five-alarm fire Photo: Michael Appleton / Office of Mayoral Photography on Flickr
A five-alarm fire ignited in a residential tower in the Bronx on Sunday morning, killing 17 people, including eight children, and marking the city’s most devastating fire since 1990. According to Fire Department officials, a faulty space heater started the fire at the 120-unit Twin Parks North West building, located at 333 East 181st Street. In addition to dealing with the tragic loss of life and dozens of serious injuries, families in the building have now been displaced and are in urgent need of relief supplies. We’ve put together a list of organizations accepting monetary donations and emergency supplies for those affected by the fire.
Photo credit: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr
Fundraisers
Relief for Families Affected by Bronx Fire on GoFundMe
The building where the fire occurred is home to many immigrants from West Africa. Local nonprofit organization Gambian Youth Organization launched a GoFundMe on Sunday to raise money for families affected by the tragedy. The organizer on Thursday turned off incoming donations after raising over $1,050,000 in just a few days.
While that fundraiser is now closed, you can find over 20 verified GoFundMe fundraisers here, with proceeds going to support the individuals and families affected by the Bronx fire.
The Mayor’s Fund
Mayor Adams is raising money to support victims of the apartment building fire through the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City. According to the mayor, the cash donation will go toward the emergency relief supplies for victims and their families. Get more details here.
Essential goods
The American Red Cross
The Red Cross has relocated its aid site to Monroe College, Ustin Hall, located at 2375 Jerome Avenue. Starting Monday, hours of operation are 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. The organization will be providing essentials and meals to those in need. (H/T to State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi)
Riverdale Jewish Center
Drop-off donations of bottled water, blankets, pillows, clothing, coats, hats, scarves, gloves, winter shoes, towels, hygiene items, masks, and hand sanitizer will be accepted on Monday at the Riverdale Jewish Center at 3700 Independence Avenue in Riverdale. Deliveries will be made throughout the week. The center is also accepting monetary donations here, which will be distributed to organizations helping the families in need.
SAR Academy
Riverdale’s SAR Academy is raising funds for the victims of the fire. Donations are now being accepted via Venmo (www.bit.ly/sarvenmo) with the note “Bronx Fire Fund.” The school, located at 655 West 254th Street, is also accepting clothing and canned and packaged foods at the front of the building.
NYC Department of Education’s Bronx Office
Donations are being accepted at the city’s Department of Education office in the Bronx starting Monday through Friday, January 14 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Items accepted include toiletries, new clothing, winter clothing, laundry supplies, blankets, bedding, combs, new pillows, and socks. The office is located at 1230 Zerega Avenue in Parkchester. Email [email protected] with questions.
In partnership with Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and Congress Member Ritchie Torres, the following locations will be accepting donations through Friday, January 14:
- Monroe College Ustin Hall: 2375 Jerome Avenue, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- State Sen. Gustavo Rivera’s Office: 2432 Grand Concourse, Suite 506, Monday- Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Assembly Member Yudelka Tapia’s Office: 2175 Jerome Avenue, Monday-Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Council Member Oswald Feliz’s Office: 573 East Fordham Road, Monday- Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you or someone you know was affected by the Bronx fire, text “181STFIRE” to 692682 to receive updates. Call 311 if you are unable to reach someone who may have been impacted by the fire.
The American Red Cross Greater New York offers general assistance, including emergency housing and case management. Call 1-877-733-2767.
The city compiled a list of resources to find shelter, food, and other forms of assistance that can be found here.
Editor’s note: The original version of this story said 19 people died as a result of the fire. Officials on Monday provided an updated number of dead to 17 people, eight children and nine adults.
