Community Groups Unite to Support Families Displaced by Ferry Street Fire in Easton

Allentown, PA – To offer rapid support to the individuals and families affected by the May 29 fire in the 900 block of Ferry Street in Easton, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Greater Easton Development Partnership have established the Ferry Street Fire Fund. The community groups have united quickly to raise funds and coordinate relief efforts for victims of the fire with partners including Lehigh Conference of Churches and Third Street Alliance for Women & Children, among others.
 
The fire destroyed or significantly damaged 16 homes, displacing 33 residents including nine children under the age of 18 and two senior citizens.  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 and Greater Easton Development Partnership 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 families have lost everything and will not be able to return to their homes. At United Way, we respond to the urgent and emerging needs of our community,” said David Lewis, President, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “Through this partnership with trusted and effective partners in the Easton community, donors can take comfort in knowing that their funds will be properly managed and used only for those affected by the fire.”

Donations can be made online at www.unitedwayglv.org/firefund or via mail (checks payable to UWGLV, 1110 American Parkway NE, Suite F-120, Allentown, PA 18109 - attention “Ferry Street Fire Fund”). Additionally, individuals interested in making a donation can text “EASTON” to 40403. Gift card donations are also encouraged.
 
“Greater Easton Development Partnership and its West Ward Community Initiative welcome this partnership to bring both emergency support and funds to the families impacted by this fire,” said Jared Mast, Executive Director, Greater Easton Development Partnership, who lives one block from the site of the fire.
 
“Lives have been turned upside down in a terrible way, and we hope this partnership helps to start to set things right,” added Mast.
 
For additional information or questions on the fund, contact Erin Connelly at 610-807-5723.