ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A fund has been established to give "swift financial support" to people displaced by a fire Thursday that ripped through the 700 block of Cedar Street in Allentown.
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and partners have established the Cedar Street Fire Fund.
“For families facing the unimaginable loss of their homes during this holiday season, United Way remains focused on providing critical support during this challenging time."United Way Chief Executive Officer Marci Lesko
The community groups said in a release late Friday afternoon that they "united quickly to raise funds and coordinate relief efforts for victims of the fire with partners and responders, including the City of Allentown."
The fire destroyed or significantly damaged 10 households and displaced 30 residents, including three children, just a day after Christmas.
The American Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter provided relief — including shelter, food and emergency supplies — to 12 affected residents in the immediate aftermath of the fire.
The United Way said 100% of funds raised will go to aid those affected by the blaze.
“For families facing the unimaginable loss of their homes during this holiday season, United Way remains focused on providing critical support during this challenging time," United Way Chief Executive Officer Marci Lesko said.
"Through this partnership with trusted Allentown organizations, we are ensuring that every dollar donated is responsibly managed and directly benefits those affected by the fire.”
How to make donations
Donations can be made online at a secure website or via mail (checks payable to UWGLV, 1110 American Parkway NE, Suite F-120, Allentown 18109 — attention “Cedar Street Fire Fund”).
Also, people interested in donating can text “ALLENTOWN” to 40403.
Gift card donations are also encouraged.
For more information or questions on the fund, call Laura McHugh at 610-807-5701.
Santos Mota-Ramirez, 60, was charged Friday with starting the fire.
Mota-Ramirez faces two counts of attempted homicide; two counts of aggravated assault with attempts to cause serious bodily injury with extreme indifference; three counts of aggravated arson with bodily injury; causing a catastrophe; and recklessly endangering another person, according to court records.
Residents were rescued by a neighbor after a fire broke out Thursday evening at 721 W. Cedar St. and spread to several connected row homes.
Mota-Ramirez told police he tried to fatally stab a woman at his home before “admitting to lighting the building on fire,” court documents state.
A Lehigh County district judge set Mota-Ramirez’s bail at $750,000 after he was arraigned Friday morning on eight felony charges.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 3.
