Single Mom And 2 Daughters 'Lost Everything' In Hoboken Fire; Fundraiser Started

HOBOKEN, NJ — A mom and her two daughters lost everything in a fire at their Hoboken apartment Thursday morning, said a relative who has started a fundraiser for the family.

The fire was brought under control Thursday at 9:15 a.m., officials said, but it damaged a unit at Clock Towers, the housing complex at 300 Adams St.

"The Hoboken Fire Department responded to the apartment fire this morning," said a city spokesperson. "The fire was contained to one unit and reported under control at approximately 9:15 a.m. One family of four was displaced. They have somewhere to stay. Luckily, there were no injuries to residents or firefighters reported. The exact cause and point of origin remain under investigation."

The building was once part of the Keuffel and Esser factory that manufactured drafting instruments through both world wars, and contains many longtime Hoboken residents.

On Thursday evening, Gabrielle Garcia, who said she's a cousin of the family of three who lived in the apartment, said she's raising funds for them.

She wrote, "Today, my cousin Cristina and her two beautiful daughters experienced an unimaginable tragedy. Their home was completely destroyed in a fire, and they lost everything—clothes, furniture, cherished memories, and belongings. Thankfully, they are safe, but now they are left with nothing and facing the overwhelming task of starting over from scratch.

"As a single mother with left with no parents to lean on, Cristina has always worked hard to provide for her girls. Now, with their home and
all their possessions gone, she’s in need of help. The road ahead will be incredibly difficult, and we’re reaching out to our community for any support you can offer.

"Every little bit will help Cristina and her daughters rebuild their lives—whether it’s to find temporary housing, replace basic necessities, or get back on their feet. No donation is too small, and even sharing this page would mean the world to us."

The GoFundMe is here.

Councilman Michael Russo, who represents the 3rd Ward including the building, wrote at 11 a.m. Thursday, "I am in contact with the Hoboken Fire Department, the Hoboken Office of Emergency Management and Clock Towers owners and management. There are no injuries reported. Fire is under control and OEM is set up in the multi-service center."

The complex is on the National Register of Historic Places.