Support the Northampton Neighbors Relief Fund
Sun., Jan 31 Mayor Higgins sent out an email update earlier this month detailing how to help our neighbors who were most directly affected by the arson fires of December 27th. That email update is reprinted below.
But first, the following announcement from the volunteers working with www.HampshireCountyCares.org, whose goal of raising $20,000 to help was quickly surpassed. They have established guidelines for additional donations up to and surpassing $40,000.
HOW THE FUNDS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED The first $20,000 will be distributed as follows:
1. For the two households whose homes were destroyed by fire: A share of $10,000 ($5,000 each) to the two families to help them replace household items.
2. For others who lost real property, such as, porches/accessory buildings: A share of $7,000 (up to $2,000 each) to help repair damage to a home or other structure.
3. For those who lost their automobile: A share of $3,000 (up to $500 each) to help towards their insurance deductible
The next $10,000 (or portion thereof) raised will be distributed as follows::
For the two households whose homes were destroyed by fire: A share of $10,000 (up to $5,000 each) to the two families to help them replace household items.
The next $10,000 (or portion thereof) raised will be distributed as follows:
For all others who lost real property, such as, porches / accessory buildings and for those who lost their automobile: A share of $10,000.
Note: This account is being administrated under the auspices of the Hampshire Community United Way. 100% of the funds up to $40,000 will go to the victims. Any additional monies raised in this account will be donated to the Pioneer Valley Chapter of the Red Cross - Local Disaster Relief Fund.
The local Red Cross has been stretched in recent weeks by the fires in Northampton and other fires in the region. Additionally, the American Red Cross is a critical first responder to the tragic earthquake in Haiti. Thank you for showing the generosity of our community!
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12.31.09
Dear Neighbors,
In the aftermath of last Sunday's frightening fires, I have been privileged to witness the very best of our community. Yes, we are nervous, we are on alert, we are angry and we are grieving. But Northampton is an amazing community. We are resilient, we are strong, we are connected and committed to our neighbors, our neighborhoods, and to this city we all love. Everywhere I have been this week, I have heard from people eager to help with any immediate needs. Yesterday I met with representatives of local aid agencies and community members to coordinate the overwhelming response coming from our community. If you would like to help, here is the information about how to contribute:
Relief Efforts
The Hampshire County United Way has set up an account called "The Northampton Neighbors Relief Fund" at the Northampton Cooperative Bank. A goal has been set to raise $20,000 to directly assist those of our neighbors who suffered direct losses as a result of the fires of 12/27. All donations will go directly to families who have lost homes, cars, or suffered damage to vehicles or other structures that night. Checks made out to the Northampton Neighbors Relief Fund may be dropped off at any Northampton Coop branch or mailed to any one of their branch offices.
Many people have offered donations of clothing or household goods, and we are asking people to hold off on those donations for the moment, or to direct them to the Red Cross or to the Northampton Survival Center where they can be put to immediate use. The families directly affected by the fires of 12/27 are still in the process of discerning what their needs are. In the coming days, any tangible needs of household goods will be posted on the website www.hampshirecountycares.org This is a website begun by community volunteers in the aftermath of the Meadowbrook fires which has been called into service once more to assist and coordinate relief efforts. In the coming days, you can check www.hampshirecountycares.org to find out where to drop off necessary items or to make an online contribution to the Northampton Neighbors Relief Fund through a secure Paypal button.
Reward Fund
Some people have inquired about supplementing the Arson Watch reward fund. The Northampton Rotary Club has agreed to adminster such a fund and coordinate the donations with the State's initial $5,000 offering. Checks made out to the Northampton Arson Reward Fund may be sent to the Northampton Rotary Club Foundation, P. O. Box 505, Northampton, MA 01061.
Attending to Ongoing Community Needs
The American Red Cross is a first responder agency that has been stretched thin by a number of serious events in recent weeks. Another way to support our neighbors is through support of the American Red Cross, 125 State Street, Northampton. The Hampshire County United Way and the Northampton Survival Center are other local agencies which have responded to our neighbors in crisis and need our ongoing support.
Moving Forward
I anticipate that a number of fundraisers will be scheduled in the coming weeks to help the Northampton Neighbors Relief Fund reach its goal. Already I am aware of a fundraising meal at the Great Wall restaurant in Florence and have received notice of school based collections at the JFK Middle School and Jackson Street Elementary School, and I am certain more will be announced when schools and businesses resume normal schedules next week. I encourage you to check back regularly with the Hampshire County Cares website, which will post fundraisers as they become aware of them, and with the Facebook group that has been set up to support those of our neighbors directly affected. As the New Year dawns, I continue to be impressed with the strengths of our community, even in the face of the fear and intimidation that arson attacks are generally meant to evoke.
It is a privilege and an honor to be witness to the great power of community that is defining Northampton at the dawn of a new decade.
With great thanks for your care, and best wishes for a healthy 2010,
Clare Higgins
Mayor