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UWGLV, CACLV and American Red Cross will coordinate efforts to support the individuals left devastated by the Fountain Street fire.
Allentown, PA, October 23, 2019 – In response to the individuals and families affected by the October 20 fire in Allentown, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV), Community Action Community of the Lehigh Valley (CACLV) and American Red Cross Lehigh Valley-Bucks Chapter announced the Fountain Street Fire Fund. The three community groups have come together to unite in support of a common cause and coordinate relief efforts for victims of the fire.
“We provided immediate assistance to thirteen families, a total of forty seven clients,” said Peter Brown, Executive Director, American Red Cross Lehigh Valley-Bucks Chapter. “There are seventeen children under the age of 18 and several infants; there are four senior citizens. Most of these families have lost everything and will not be able to return to their homes.”
The American Red Cross steps in with support for essential needs immediately following a disaster. However, long term assistance will be needed and sparked the necessity for the Fountain Street Fire Fund. 100% of the funds will be used to aid those affected by this disaster.
“UWGLV mobilizes the community to support the common good,” said David Lewis, President, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “Through this partnership with trusted and effective caregivers – United Way, American Red Cross and Community Action Committee – donors can take comfort in knowing that their funds will be properly managed and used only for those affected by the fire.”
Donations can be made online at www.unitedwayglv.org/firefund or via mail (checks payable to UWGLV, 1110 American Parkway NE, Suite F-120, Allentown, PA 18109 – attention “Fountain Street Fire Fund”). Additionally, individuals interested in making a donation can text “FountainStreet” to 71777. Gift card donations are also encouraged.
“We don’t want people getting assistance by luck or by some kind of prejudgement,” says Alan Jennings, Executive Director at Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley. “There needs to be a systematic way that understands the circumstances of each family, what’s needed to get them back in action and what amount the fund can help them with.”
For additional information or questions on the fund, contact Priscilla Rosado at 610-807-5731.
Mission of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
The mission of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is to provide the leadership, convene the partnerships, and develop the resources and solutions that improve our community. We remain committed to these goals and sincerely appreciate the continued support of partners, program providers and donors throughout the Lehigh Valley. www.UnitedWayGLV.org.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
Mission of Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley
The mission of the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley is to improve the quality of life by building a community in which all people have access to economic opportunity, the ability to pursue that opportunity, and a voice in the decisions that affect their lives. www.caclv.org.
Information provided to TVL by:
Laura McHugh
Director, Communications and Media Relations
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
Celebrating 100 years of service to the Lehigh Valley.
1110 American Parkway NE Suite F-120 Allentown, PA 18109
www.unitedwayglv.org
