Paterson Halfway House Fire: How To Help Those Displaced

PATERSON, NJ – A five-alarm fire Saturday morning destroyed a Paterson halfway house, displacing 200 residents who are recovering from drug and alcohol addiction, according to officials.

The blaze broke out around 11 a.m. at the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Paterson’s Straight & Narrow home on Straight Street. No injuries were reported and several community groups, such as the American Red Cross , are helping provide shelter for those who were displaced, Mayor Andre Sayegh said in a Facebook Live video from the scene.

In an update posted on social media on Saturday afternoon, Catholic Charities said, "We are humbled by the support from our friends, the City of Paterson, the Diocesan faithful and those in the recovery community following the devastating fire at 410 Straight Street in Paterson. All of the people we serve and our staff are safe. We will continue to provide treatment for those in recovery as we rebuild and persevere."

A fundraiser effort is already underway to help rebuild the facility, purchase needed supplies and continue to program help to those in recovery, according to Catholic Charities. The organization is still determining a list of in-kind donations it needs, as well as arranging a drop-off location.

How To Donate

• Text: SNFIRE to 41444 to make a donation from your cell phone
• Visit: www.ccpaterson.org/snfire to make a donation online
• Email: info@ccpaterson.org for more information about how to help

According to Catholic Charities CEO, Scott Milliken, the fire completely destroyed the home, which includes a 50-bed men's halfway house, a women's counseling office and storage.

Milliken said, "Though part of Straight and Narrow's facilities have been destroyed, our organization is very much alive and well. We will continue to provide help and create hope for all of those in need, including individuals in recovery."

On Saturday, mutual aid was provided by several nearby fire departments, including Boonton, Parsipanny, Passaic, Elmwood Park, Bloomfield, Pompton Lakes, Fairfield, Wanaque, Wyckoff and West Milford.

Sayegh said authorities don’t believe the fire doesn’t appear suspicious but are continuing to investigate the cause.

“I’m having flashbacks of Marcal, but unlike that fire, it’s not winter, so we don’t have the elements working against us,” Sayegh said, referring to the 10-alarm blaze in January that destroyed the paper plant in Elmwood Park.

“I’m thankful because of all the first responders,” the mayor said. “It’s times like these when you really see what they do.”