Community Groups Unite to Launch Hamilton Street Fire Fund to Support Displaced Families
Allentown, PA, July 11, 2024 – To offer rapid financial support to the families and residents affected by the July 8 fire in the 1100 block of Hamilton Street in Allentown, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, The Salvation Army of the Lehigh Valley, Community Action Lehigh Valley and River Crossing YMCA have established the Hamilton Street Fire Fund. The community groups have united quickly to raise funds and coordinate relief efforts for victims of the fire with partners including American Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter, Community Action Lehigh Valley, Lehigh Conference of Churches, The Ortiz Ark Foundation, Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley and Valley Health Partners, among others. Special thanks to City Center Group, PPL and Truist for their early donations to the Fund and to the many donors, including City Center apartment community residents, for rallying together to help their neighbors.
The fire destroyed or significantly damaged multiple buildings, displacing 21 residents including several children. The American Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter provided relief to the impacted residents in the immediate aftermath of the fire including shelter, food and emergency supplies. Now, United Way, Community Action Lehigh Valley’s Sixth Street Shelter, The Salvation Army Allentown Corps and River Crossing YMCA will work with partners to provide long-term assistance with 100% of funds going to aid those affected by this disaster.
“Recognizing that many families have lost everything and cannot return home, United Way is dedicated to addressing the community’s urgent needs. This partnership with reliable Allentown organizations ensures donors that their contributions will be carefully managed and used exclusively for those impacted by the fire,” stated Marci Lesko, Chief Executive Officer of United Way.
Donations can be made online at this secure website or via mail (checks payable to UWGLV, 1110 American Parkway NE, Suite F-120, Allentown, PA 18109 – attention “Hamilton Street Fire Fund”). Additionally, individuals interested in making a donation can text “ALLENTOWN” to 40403. Gift card donations are also encouraged.
For additional information or questions on the fund, contact Laura McHugh at 610-807-5701.
