Relief Effort Launched for Victims of Bronx Apartment Building Fire

NEW YORK— Mayor Eric Adams and the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City today announced the launch of the Bronx Fire Relief Fund to support those affected by the recent apartment building fire in the Bronx.

“Yesterday’s fire in the Bronx is an unspeakable tragedy, but I promise New York City will be there to help our neighbors through it,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “I’m grateful to the all of the firefighters, EMS workers, and first responders who responded within minutes to save lives. The City stands ready to give impacted families all the support they need — it’s what we do. Every dollar given to the Mayor’s Fund will go directly to those affected by the fire; please give if you can and together we will get through this.”

“After the tragic fire in the Bronx, New Yorkers have stepped up to the plate to help their neighbors in need as they have always done,” said Daniele Baierlein and Jorge Luis Paniagua Valle, Co-Executive Directors of the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City. “The Mayor’s Fund is proud to work with The City of New York to raise funds from grassroots donors and partnering with leaders in the business and philanthropic community to support the victims and their families.”

“Our hearts and prayers are with all of the victims of this unspeakable tragedy. At times like this, residents and businesses throughout this City stand together to help our fellow New Yorkers,” said Rob Speyer, Chair, Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City Board of Advisors. “Mayor Adams and the Mayor’s Fund are quickly mobilizing to provide support and services to all families impacted by yesterday’s horrific fire.”

Those impacted by the fire on January 9th face a variety of associated costs. The Bronx Fire Relief Fund will provide them with financial relief as they recover and rebuild.

The fund builds upon the strong initial support provided by first responders, city services and grassroots organizations. First responders from the Fire Department (FDNY), the New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM), and the American Red Cross provided critical assistance during and immediately following the fire.

NYCEM established a service center at Monroe College open daily from 12-8pm, where individuals can receive assistance with City services including housing, COVID-19 testing, food, burial assistance, and mental health support. In addition: the city will ensure all families impacted by the fire have access to safe housing; the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) has trained mental health professionals on-site at all hotels and the Monroe College service center to provide emotional support, crisis counseling, and to provide referrals; the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit (CAU) has coordinated an interfaith outreach response to connect clergy with impacted families; andNYCEM and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) are ensuring interpreters are present to help individuals access services.

For local updates, individuals can text ‘181STFIRE to 692692 for updates and resources for victims. For information on the status of loved ones, call 311.

Locally based organizations, neighbors in the community and that State are also providing additional support to those in need, including the Bronx Community Foundation, and the Gambian Youth Organization.

“Yesterday’s horrific fire requires every level of government and our community to help the victims and survivors,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “Last night, I joined forces with Mayor Adams, Governor Hochul, Rep. Torres, Borough President Gibson and many others to pledge our support for the Bronx community and to help in any way we can. The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City is raising money to support the victims of this tragic event, and other critical resources are available for those impacted. I am praying for those who lost their lives, those injured, and everyone else impacted, including the brave firefighters of FDNY for selflessly running into danger to help others.”

“I’m devastated by the horrifying and deadly fire in the Bronx and my heart is with everyone who has been injured, lost their home or lost a loved one. I’m deeply thankful to our brave first responders and firefighters who responded to the fire. I urge anyone who is able to donate to the Mayor’s Fund to provide support to the victims and their families and I stand ready to fight for whatever federal action is necessary to prevent similar tragedies in the future,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

New Yorkers interested in contributing to the fund can donate online: www.nyc.gov/fund, or by mailing a check, made payable to “The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City” indicating that donations are for the Bronx Fire Relief Fund in the memo field or in a note enclosed with the check:

Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City
253 Broadway, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10007

Source: The Office of Mayor Eric Adams