Cambridge Gives Out $87K Following Fire

CAMBRIDGE, MA — Just days after a 10-alarm fire laid waste to a Cambridge neighborhood, the city has turned around over $87,000 in initial support for those impacted.

According to the city, it has dispersed $64,200 in checks and $23,400 in gift cards for the families displaced by last weekend's, fast-moving, massive fire in the Wellington-Harrington neighborhood. According to the city, in the days and weeks ahead, it will be distributing additional assistance beyond this initial funding.

To receive support, families must first register with the Red Cross. Donations have been pouring in from all around the state, and beyond, with the mayor's online relief fund surpassing its $500,000 goal within days. It topped $250,000 in 24 hours.

“The kindness and generosity we have witnessed since Saturday has been phenomenal,” Mayor E. Denise Simmons said in a city press release. “In just four days, we have raised over half a million dollars to help the people impacted by this devastating fire start to rebuild their lives. The people who have lost everything in this fire have also gained something – the sense that thousands of their neighbors and fellow residents are standing with them, rooting for them, and rallying to their side. As mayor of this city, I could not be prouder of our community response.”

The city's Disaster Recovery Resource Center on the 2nd floor of City Hall will remain open for the rest of the week, from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The City is also focused on identifying permanent rental housing for tenants and property owners displaced by the fire. Any Cambridge property owner with permanent rental housing that could be offered to victims should call 617-349-4321. Housing needs include both affordable and market-rate housing, with a particular need for housing with three or four bedrooms that can accommodate families.

To date, 11 families have been placed in new permanent housing and additional families are being assessed and processed, the city said.

More:

• Cambridge Fire's Cause Remains Undetermined; Arson Ruled Out
• Cambridge Fire Relief Fund Surpasses Goal
• Cambridge Fire: How You Can Help
• Cambridge Fire: City to Host Recovery Resource Centers
• Cambridge Fire: Neighborhood Burned; 10 Alarms Struck; 125

Image via Cambridge Fire Department