ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley has partnered with five community groups to launch an emergency relief fund for victims of this week's North Third Street fire.
Several families remain displaced following the blaze that burned a recreational vehicle and spread through homes around 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday.
Laura McHugh, chief engagement officer with the local United Way, said the organization has been in contact with the American Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter for information on those displaced.
By Wednesday, the Red Cross had determined 30 people were impacted by the fire and 11 have been able to return to their residences.
There are 19 who remain in emergency shelter provided by Red Cross, including eight adults and 11 children, officials said.
Allentown Deputy Fire Chief Christian Williams said Friday there were no updates to provide on the investigation. The cause has yet to be determined, he said.
The United Way is collaborating on the victims' relief fund with the City of Allentown, Red Cross, Community Action Lehigh Valley, the Lehigh Conference of Churches and The Salvation Army.
“We’ve been doing this for many, many years and quickly realized that a collaborative approach, with everybody doing what they do best, is the most efficient way to get families resources that they need in a flash.”Laura McHugh, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
McHugh said 100 percent of proceeds will go directly to victims, allocated evenly between each person.
She said the collaborative effort between organizations makes getting the funds to families a smooth and quick process.
“Typically, the first distribution of funds happens within 10 days of the incident, and if additional funds are raised, we try to get those out within one month,” McHugh said.
Collaborative approach
She said each organization plays a different role in helping people get back on their feet.
For example, the Red Cross often provides services on day one for those who have lost their homes, she said. That could be a hotel voucher or getting people in emergency shelter.
McHugh said sometimes they also set up a resource center, assembling key services in one location.
“Typically, after a large-scale event like this, there are a variety of common needs,” McHugh said. “Everything from identification and documentation replacements, to being able to connect with a case worker, to being able to provide housing and (the Red Cross) will do frequently is set up a resource center.”
Being long-time partners with many organizations, McHugh said United Way is focused on finding the most efficient and effective way to raise funds and provide resources.
“We’ve been doing this for many, many years and quickly realized that a collaborative approach, with everybody doing what they do best, is the most efficient way to get families resources that they need in a flash,” McHugh said.
How to donate
United Way is collecting donations online through a secure browser and through mail.
Checks can be made payable to UWGLV and sent by mail to 1110 American Parkway NE, Suite F-120, Allentown, PA 18109. Envelopes can be marked attention “3rd Street Fire Fund.”
Gift cards will also be accepted, according to the United Way. To show interest in donating, individuals can text “ALLENTOWN” to 40403.
Over the next few days, McHugh said the United Way team will compile a list of specific items people need and it will be posted on the United Way website and social media accounts. Once that list is posted the organization will start accepting physical donations.
“Something like this can happen to anybody,” McHugh said. “So, for us to be able to offer a way for anybody to help, whether it’s $5 or much larger gifts, we’re happy to make that available and then share more of the specific needs as we learn more directly from the families.”
