Community Groups Unite to Support Families Displaced by 7th Street Fire in Allentown
Allentown, PA, May 2, 2024 – To offer rapid financial support to the families and residents affected by the April 30 fire in the 700 block of North Seventh Street in Allentown, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Greater Valley YMCA and Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley have established the 7th Street Fire Fund. The community groups have united quickly to raise funds and coordinate relief efforts for victims of the fire with partners including Allentown School District, American Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter, the City of Allentown, Community Action Lehigh Valley, Lehigh Valley Health Network and Valley Health Partners, among others.
The fire destroyed or significantly damaged four homes, displacing 36 residents ages 2 to 65. 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 in partnership with the Allentown YMCA and Promise Neighborhoods. Now, United Way, YMCA and Lehigh Conference of Churches will work with partners to provide long-term assistance with 100% of funds going to aid those affected by this disaster.
“We understand that most of the families have lost everything and won’t be able to return to their homes. At United Way, we are committed to responding to the urgent needs of the community. Through this partnership with trusted and effective partners in Allentown, donors can take comfort knowing that their funds will be properly managed and used only for those affected by the fire,” said Marci Lesko, incoming Chief Executive Officer, 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 “7th Street Fire Fund”). Additionally, individuals interested in making a donation can text “ALLENTOWN” to 40403. Gift card donations are also encouraged.
“When tragedy strikes the community, as it has in Allentown this week, it is the community that must respond to help those affected on their way to recovery,” explained Trish Feinthel, managing Chief Operating Officer, Greater Valley YMCA. “We are grateful to be part of the effort to provide for the victims of the 7th St. fire, and will continue to be at the ready to put our mission into action for those who have lost so much.”
For additional information or questions on the fund, contact Erin Connelly at 610-807-5723.