ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Local organizations are partnering up to financially help out families affected by the six-alarm fire at the former American Atelier furniture factory.
The fire broke around 8:40 p.m. Wednesday at the building on North Front Street and was brought under control Thursday morning.
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley said it and local partners launched an emergency relief fund to support households impacted by the fire and help address immediate recovery needs.
Donations can be made online at www.unitedwayglv.org/donate (select “Fire Fund”) or via mail (checks payable to UWGLV, 1110 American Parkway NE, Suite F-120, Allentown, PA 18109 – attention “Allentown Fire Fund”).
Gift card donations are also encouraged, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley said in a news release.
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, according to the news release.
United Way said it will work with the City of Allentown and Catholic Charities Diocese of Allentown to provide long-term assistance, with 100% of funds going to aid those affected by this disaster.
The organization says seven households were affected. One firefighter was injured. No civilians were injured.
“In moments like this, families can lose stability and certainty in an instant,” said Marci Lesko, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.
“We come together at the speed of need when neighbors face unexpected hardship, and our community has shown that time and again. This fund will provide immediate support to affected households and help ensure people have access to the resources they need as they begin to recover.”