Community Raises Over $50,000 to Support Allentown Fire Recovery Efforts
In just three weeks, the Greater Lehigh Valley came together to raise more than $50,000 to date for the 14 families displaced by the June 24 fire in Allentown. One hundred percent of funds raised through the Allentown Fire Fund have gone directly to impacted families, providing financial assistance and temporary housing support as they work toward recovery. Led by United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and the City of Allentown, in coordination with American Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter, the fund has provided immediate assistance and continues to help families rebuild.
“This response showed the very best of our community,” said Erin Connelly, Vice President, Community Solutions of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “Families facing unimaginable loss were met with compassion, generosity and a network of partners ready to help. Because so many people chose to act, these families received support when they needed it most and will continue to have resources available as they move forward and rebuild.”
Since the fund was established, United Way and partners have remained in close contact with every affected family, providing support for immediate needs including temporary hotel stays, food and other essential resources. Additional assistance has been distributed to help families secure stability as they continue rebuilding their lives.
This community response was made possible through the generosity and collaboration of many partners, including American Bank, Jaindl Enterprises, Capital Blue Cross, The Waterfront, Catholic Charities, Casa Guadalupe Center, Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeast Pennsylvania, Fine Feather Foundation Inc., Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley, West End Pub Bar & Grill, Champion Center, Resurrected Community Development Corporation, Guber Labs, Kellyn Foundation, Cay Galgon Life House and the Lehigh Valley Labor Council, along with many individual donors who stepped forward to help.