Displaced Poughkeepsie Woman Fundraises For Neighbors After Fire

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Last Tuesday, a fire ravaged three residential buildings in Poughkeepsie, damaged a fourth and left 12 residents without homes. Today, community members are rallying around those who lost their homes, including one displaced resident herself.

Laura Daugherty has been staying in the Marriott hotel in Fishkill since her home was destroyed in the fire. While there, she's been working to gather essentials, coordinate with her insurance provider, take an inventory of the items she lost, replace her work laptop and mourn the loss of sentimental items.

She said she's fortunate to have renters insurance, a steady job and some savings to help her as she scrambles to rebuild her life in the wake of the fire. So, Daugherty is choosing to give back.

Daugherty told Patch she has arranged a GoFundMe campaign to help offset unexpected costs for herself and her neighbors.

"I have been asked many times, 'how can I help?' so, I am starting this GoFundMe to help myself and the community," Daugherty wrote on GoFundMe. "Some of those affected are in a tough spot, and don’t know how to start a GoFundMe. Thanks in advance for your help; every bit counts."

Here's a list of all ongoing GoFundMe campaigns for the displaced residents:

• Fundraiser for All Displaced Residents
• Fundraiser for Kareem Green
• Fundraiser for Connor Brust
• Fundraise for Family of Three
• Fundraiser for Brady Massey

Daugherty said while it's always hard to replace all of one's belongings after a disaster, the new coronavirus has made matters worse.

"All you can go to right now to get clothes is Walmart or Target. I can’t find nice work clothes now," she said. "The dressing rooms are not open anywhere right now, and they’re not accepting returns. If I do buy something that doesn’t fit, I can’t bring it back until after COVID-19 is over."

Still, she's thankful for the help of her neighbors, some of whom have checked on her and others who have given her clothing and other items. Now, she's hoping they'll spread the generosity through her new GoFundMe campaign.

So far, more than $15,000 has been donated to the residents.

The fire broke out just before 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday. It started at 13 Duane street and spread to houses at 11 and 15 Duane, destroying all three. It also damaged a building at 1 Gifford Avenue.

The fire left the buildings' residents without homes and one firefighter with minor injuries.