EASTON, Pa. - An emergency relief fund has been established to support dozens of residents displaced by Friday’s devastating fire at the Hotel Hampton building in the Downtown area.
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, in partnership with local organizations, has launched the “Easton Fire Fund” to provide immediate and long-term assistance to those affected by the blaze at the rooming house at 462 Northampton St.
The fire spread to two adjoining properties, displacing a total of 40 adults, according to the United Way.
At a news conference Saturday, officials said the fire started in the basement but a cause has not been determined.
The American Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter said it provided overnight accommodations to 37 people, meals and emergency supplies at Paxinosa Elementary School, 1221 Northampton St.
To allow the school to resume normal operations, the shelter was being moved Sunday to Alumni Hall at Northampton Community College, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township.
How to donate
United Way officials said the newly created emergency relief fund is focused on long-term recovery. Working with the Greater Easton Development Partnership, the organization says 100% of the funds raised will go directly toward helping those affected rebuild their lives.
Assistance from the fund may help cover essential expenses such as temporary housing, food, clothing and other recovery-related costs as residents work to secure more permanent accommodations, the United Way said.
Community members who wish to contribute can donate online at www.unitedwayglv.org/donate by selecting “Fire Fund” when asked how to direct contributions. Donations by check may be made payable to UWGLV, 1110 American Parkway NE, Suite F-120, Allentown, PA 18109, Attention “Easton Fire Fund.”
Contributions can also be made by texting “REBUILD” to 40403.
For additional information about the Easton Fire Fund, residents can contact Laura McHugh at 610-504-9452.
Red Cross resources
Officials say the outpouring of community support in the days since the fire underscores the region’s commitment to helping neighbors in times of crisis.
The Red Cross says all of its disaster assistance is free and people do not need to stay in the shelter overnight to access Red Cross services.
"Red Cross disaster health services volunteers can help with assessing health needs and replacing medications, eyeglasses or other medical supplies that have been lost or destroyed in the fire," the Red Cross said in a statement.
Anyone in need of Red Cross assistance can call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
