March 17, 2014
By Stephanie West
New York, NY – First Lady Chirlane McCray, Chair of the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, announced the launch of a fundraising drive that will address the ongoing needs of those affected by the East Harlem explosion and building collapse on March 12. The funds will support a strategic relief plan including: a victims’ assistance fund to cover costs associated with rent, funeral arrangements and household expenses; case management and counseling services; and community-based outreach focused on immigrant communities.
Components of the program will be administered by Safe Horizon. Union Settlement and LSA Family Health Service, which are based in East Harlem, will lead the community outreach effort. The Red Cross will continue to provide disaster mental health support to survivors of the explosion, as well as help to transition disaster survivors from immediate needs to ongoing recovery.
The Real Estate Board of New York, Con Edison, the Association for a Better New York and the Rudin family, as well as the families and Board members of East Harlem Tutorial Program have already pledged generous funding to the effort. Speaker Mark-Viverito has provided key leadership throughout the tragedy, helping victims and displaced residents connect to critically-needed services.
“If there’s one thing New Yorkers can count on, it’s other New Yorkers,” said First Lady Chirlane McCray, Chair of the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City.
New Yorkers who wish to contribute to the effort should call 311 or visit the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City website: www.nyc.gov/fund.
