Community Corner
How To Help The Hundreds Who Lost Their Homes In This Weekend's Massive Fire In Mount Vernon
As most of us are preparing for Thanksgiving dinner with family, others in our community will struggle to replace basic necessities.
MOUNT VERNON, NY — Thanks in part to a quick response from firefighters and police, there were no serious injuries reported following the massive overnight fire this weekend, but that doesn't mean that the hundreds who lost their homes aren't hurting.
The community has come through in a big way, to help meet the immediate needs of those who were displaced when disaster struck, but the victims can still use our help.
The fire on Cottage Avenue was brought under control by early afternoon on Sunday, but a herculean effort to support those who lost their homes continues.
Find out what's happening in Mount Vernonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Mount Vernon City School District is assisting the displaced families using Mount Vernon Honor Academy as shelter. The district is also hosting after school programs and support services for students and their families.
Because of the massive size of the blaze in the building, families won't be retuning to their homes anytime soon — if ever.
Find out what's happening in Mount Vernonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"The buildings department is preparing an official letter declaring the structure 'not habitable' for the foreseeable future," Mount Veron Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said. "That is very important because that will allow the families, and the Red Cross, and different agencies to provide a different level of support. This is not something that they can return to their apartments in the next week or so. We don't see that happening, like I said, for the foreseeable future."
According to the City of Mount Vernon, canned foods (meats, vegetables, fruits), men's, women's and children's clothing, undergarments, jeans, hoodies and socks are needed. Men's sneakers (sizes 10, 11, 12, 13), comforters, pillows, cell phone chargers and bottled water are particularly needed.
Donations are being accepted at the Doles Recreation Center.
Cash donations may be sent directly to The Friends of Mount Vernon Arts, Recreation, and Youth Programs via Zelle using this email address
Gift cards and Visa/Mastercard gift cards, of all denominations, are also being accepted.
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