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NYC Mayor Rally-Rounded Funds for Bronx Fire Victims

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NYC Mayor Rally-Rounded Funds for Bronx Fire Victims
Bronx Fire: Mayor Adams and the Community

From the office of the Mayor of New York City:

NEW YORK— Mayor Eric Adams and the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City today announced the launch of the Bronx Fire Relief Fund to support those affected by the recent apartment building fire in the Bronx.

“Yesterday’s fire in the Bronx is an unspeakable tragedy, but I promise New York City will be there to help our neighbors through it,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “I’m grateful to all of the firefighters, EMS workers, and first responders who responded within minutes to save lives. The City stands ready to give impacted families all the support they need — it’s what we do. Every dollar given to the Mayor’s Fund will go directly to those affected by the fire; please give if you can and together we will get through this.”

“After the tragic fire in the Bronx, New Yorkers have stepped up to the plate to help their neighbors in need as they have always done,” said Daniele Baierlein and Jorge Luis Paniagua Valle, Co-Executive Directors of the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City. “The Mayor’s Fund is proud to work with The City of New York to raise funds from grassroots donors and partnering with leaders in the business and philanthropic community to support the victims and their families.” 

AfroGist Media- NYC Mayor and Bronx Fire
Bronx Fire: Mayor Eric Adams addressing the community. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

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“Our hearts and prayers are with all of the victims of this unspeakable tragedy. At times like this, residents and businesses throughout this City stand together to help our fellow New Yorkers,” said Rob Speyer, Chair, Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City Board of Advisors. “Mayor Adams and the Mayor’s Fund are quickly mobilizing to provide support and services to all families impacted by yesterday’s horrific fire.”  

Those impacted by the fire on January 9th face a variety of associated costs. The Bronx Fire Relief Fund will provide them with financial relief as they recover and rebuild.

The fund builds upon the strong initial support provided by first responders, city services and grassroots organizations. First responders from the Fire Department (FDNY), the New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM), and the American Red Cross provided critical assistance during and immediately following the fire.

NYCEM established a service center at Monroe College open daily from 12-8pm, where individuals can receive assistance with City services including housing, COVID-19 testing, food, burial assistance, and mental health support. In addition:

  • The City will ensure all families impacted by the fire have access to safe housing.
  • The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) has trained mental health professionals on-site at all hotels and the Monroe College service center to provide emotional support, crisis counseling, and to provide referrals.
  • The Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit (CAU) has coordinated an interfaith outreach response to connect clergy with impacted families.
  • NYCEM and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) are ensuring interpreters are present to help individuals access services.

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For local updates, individuals can text ‘181STFIRE to 692692 for updates and resources for victims. For information on the status of loved ones, call 311.

Locally based organizations, neighbors in the community and that State are also providing additional support to those in need, including the Bronx Community Foundation, and the Gambian Youth Organization.

“Yesterday’s horrific fire requires every level of government and our community to help the victims and survivors,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “Last night, I joined forces with Mayor Adams, Governor Hochul, Rep. Torres, Borough President Gibson and many others to pledge our support for the Bronx community and to help in any way we can. The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City is raising money to support the victims of this tragic event, and other critical resources are available for those impacted. I am praying for those who lost their lives, those injured, and everyone else impacted, including the brave firefighters of FDNY for selflessly running into danger to help others.” 

“I’m devastated by the horrifying and deadly fire in the Bronx and my heart is with everyone who has been injured, lost their home or lost a loved one. I’m deeply thankful to our brave first responders and firefighters who responded to the fire. I urge anyone who is able to donate to the Mayor’s Fund to provide support to the victims and their families and I stand ready to fight for whatever federal action is necessary to prevent similar tragedies in the future,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

“This tragedy has devastated the entire City of New York, and the Bronx in particular. Many of the families lost everything and will struggle to piece their lives back together as they seek to recover from this nightmare. I encourage those who can give financially to donate to the Mayor’s Fund. These donations will go directly to establishing an emergency support system for the families and meet their needs. Together, as electeds at all levels of government, we will ensure the families are able to return to their homes and build back their lives,” said Rep. Ritchie Torres.

“I offer my prayers for peace and comfort to the families of each victim of today’s tragic fire in the Bronx, one of the deadliest in our city’s recent history. I also want to offer gratitude to the hundreds of firefighters who risked their lives to save others. Amid the ashes, so many of our fellow New Yorkers are left with loss, and I ask each of us to do what we can to support relief efforts. My office will also be available to provide assistance as this city mourns with a community and works to recover from this terrible tragedy,” said Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.

“In times of tragedy, Bronxites and New Yorkers always put their best foot forward and show their resiliency,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “I want to thank Mayor Adams and The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City for acting quickly to support the victims of this horrific 5-alarm fire. I continue to pray for the loved ones of the 19 Bronx residents we lost yesterday and their loved ones, and I encourage anyone who is able to help to please do so.”

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark said, “Our entire Bronx community is heartbroken and stunned by the horrific fire in Twin Parks North West apartment complex that killed  19 people, including nine children, and injured 44 other residents. Please help the survivors of this calamity.  Let’s offer prayers and condolences to those who are grappling with the loss of loved ones and neighbors, and  if you wish to help by giving money, clothing and food, please donate  to the Mayor’s Fund.”

“I’m incredibly heartbroken by the extensive loss of life that resulted from the massive fire that broke out at 333 E 181 Street yesterday morning. I am keeping those families in my thoughts and prayers as they start to mourn their loved ones,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. “Countless families have lost everything due to this tragedy and will now have to rebuild. I want to thank Mayor Adams and his administration for opening this Fund as a way to collect a variety of donations for the impacted families. I encourage every New Yorker who has the ability to make a donation to do so. Our fellow New Yorkers desperately need our help right now.”

Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia said, “ Our heart goes out to all the families affected by the 5-alarm fire that claimed the lives of 19 residents and hospitalized 63. My office is doing everything possible to meet the needs of everyone impacted. We thank the members of the FDNY and NYPD who risked their lives during this tragic event. We appreciate Mayor Adams, Governor Hochul, Borough President Gibson, Senator Schumer, Bronx DA Clark, Congressman Torres, Council Member Feliz and Senator Gustavo and look forward to continuing to work together. To the families of 333 East 181st, we will not rest until you are all back home.”

New Yorkers interested in contributing to the Bronx Fire Relief Fund can donate online: www.nyc.gov/fund, or by mailing a check, made payable to “The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City” indicating that donations are for the Bronx Fire Relief Fund in the memo field or in a note enclosed with the check:

Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City
253 Broadway, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10007

This press release was shared by the office of the Mayor of New York City, and views thereby expressed are solely authors.

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