UPDATE: 6-alarm Allentown fire was arson, 2 juveniles in custody on charges: DA
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley on Friday announced an emergency relief fund to help residents displaced by this week’s six-alarm fire at a former furniture factory.
The fire broke out around 8:40 p.m. Wednesday, gutting the former American Atelier furniture factory on North Front Street in Allentown.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control by about 7:30 a.m. Thursday. One firefighter was injured during the response, and no fatalities were reported.
Authorities on Friday were continuing to investigate how and where the fire started in the building.
The American Red Cross Greater Pennsylvania Region’s Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter told lehighvalleylive.com Friday that 26 people — 20 adults and six children — were displaced and receiving assistance, including shelter, food and emergency supplies.
The new fund will focus on long-term recovery needs.
United Way is partnering with the City of Allentown and Catholic Charities Diocese of Allentown to distribute the relief funds, and said 100% of donations will go directly to those affected by the fire.
“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,” she continued. “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.”
United Way creates fund for Allentown furniture factory fire victims
Residents can donate online at unitedwayglv.org/donate by selecting “Fire Fund” or mail checks payable to UWGLV at 1110 American Parkway NE, Suite F-120, Allentown, PA 18109, with attention to “Allentown Fire Fund.”
The organization is also accepting gift card donations.
more lehigh valley news
Read the original article on lehighvalleylive.com. Add lehighvalleylive.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.