July 13, 2022 | Trent Levakis tlevakis@thereminder.com
The Holyoke Fire Department battled a blaze on South Bridge Street that displaced 25 individuals. Several community organizations have rallied to support those who lost their homes due to the fire. Photo courtesy of the Holyoke Fire Department
HOLYOKE – Providence Ministries, Enlace de Familias and Nueva Esperanza have teamed up to accept donations in support of the 25 individuals who lost their homes and possessions during an early morning fire on South Bridge Street earlier this month.
Providence Ministries is located a block from the scene of the fire and served as a gathering place for the fire victims and was joined by other service agencies like the Red Cross, Holyoke Health Center, Enlace de Familias, Nueva Esperanza, Holyoke Public Schools, area churches and a handful more.
Following the July 1 fire, the Red Cross was on the scene assisting those who had been displaced. There were no injuries. Many of those forced out by the fire had only the clothes they were wearing while several others lost their pets and belongings.
Ward 1 City Councilor Jenny Rivera has stepped in to support those impacted by the fire and has been working to help collect donations at Enlace de Familias. She said she has been working with the organizations involved as well as Way Finders to help those who were displaced find a new location to live.
Rivera added they have received some donations of furniture but they are not currently seeking those, as they do not currently have enough space to hold them. There are also not enough people moved into a new living situation yet to distribute them at this time.
“We are still looking for donations on everything,” Rivera said. “If people have work and can’t get out of work and can only donate after five o’clock, they can send myself or Frankie [Martinez, Enlace de Familias director] a text. Preferably me, and I will open up Enlace and take the donations there.”
Martinez said size 4 diapers and baby formula donations are still welcomed for donation, and that to this point they have received plenty of clothing.
Martinez added that they currently prefer cash donations, because displaced individuals need some financial support with their first, last and security deposit on a new place to live, as well as money to purchase new furniture when moving into a new living situation.
Rivera added that tragic events like this illustrate the importance of community.
“Just think, right now it’s them. Tomorrow it can be you,” Rivera said. “Us as a community, I am so grateful because we are still collaborating with Holyoke Public Schools, different agencies, Way Finders. There’s always room for anyone to come in and step in and help. Anything will help out these families and as a community we should always come together for one another.”
Initially, there was an urgent need for baby formula, particularly Blue Similac and Advance Similac Formula, as well as baby bottles. This need has been met but donations of this brand of formula are still welcomed.
Other needs listed are diapers, wipes, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, hairbrushes, hair ties and deodorant.
Women’s summer shoes (size 5) and sandals (size 8) as well as men’s and women’s underwear (sizes S, M, L and XL), Tylenol, ibuprofen and Aleve are also on the list as possible donations for those in need in the aftermath of the fire. Cell phone chargers are also being accepted.
To donate, you can contact Rivera at Enlace de Familias at the 299 Main St. location or call 437-3210. Martinez can be reached at 313-8788. Donations are also being accepted online at www.enlacedefamilias.org.
You can also contact Nueva Esperanza at 437-7666 or Providence Ministries at 536-9109.