Habitat for Humanity Comes to the Rescue of Fire Victims
One of the missions of Habitat for Humanity of Westchester is to eliminate poverty and homelessness throughout the region, and oftentimes its army of volunteers find themselves lending a helping hand when a crisis strikes.
Two weeks ago, a fire in a home at 141 Fremont Street in Peekskill left approximately 103 adults and children from 21 apartments homeless and without most of their belongings. Since then, they have been struggling to rebuild their lives.
“Their whole life was upended in one day,” said Jim Killoran, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Westchester. “The heart of our mission is that people can live simply and decently in Westchester. We do what’s right. We bring hope every time we’re there.”
Working in conjunction with Assumption Church and city officials, Killoran and his crew have been operating out of an undisclosed warehouse in Peekskill providing furniture, baby carriages and other items to the displaced families. Since last week, Killoran said approximately $10,000 worth of furniture have been given to about half of the affected families.
Most of the furniture came from Habitat’s ReStore in New Rochelle, a place where companies and individuals donate new and lightly used furniture for those in need. Through other contacts, Killoran was able to secure mattresses.
“We love Peekskill. We have a lot of great relationships in Peekskill,” said Killoran, who noted he has been trying to open a ReStore in the Peekskill/Yorktown area. “People help each other during these disasters. I do these a lot. It’s like the back of my hand. If people need help, the ReStore becomes a huge resource.”
No residents were injured in the blaze that broke out about 7 p.m. on July 20, but eight firefighters were treated and released at New York Presbyterian-Hudson Valley Hospital for heat related exhaustion. The Westchester County Cause and Origin Team is investigating the cause of the fire, which some sources reported may have been triggered by a faulty air conditioning cord.
The American Red Cross set up a temporary shelter for families at Peekskill Middle School for three days after the fire, assisting about 20 residents. Assumption Church also has been providing assistance to the families, 90% of which were Hispanic, according to Killoran.
As part of his efforts to collaborate with as many organizations as possible to provide assistance to the victims of the fire, Mayor Frank Catalina was scheduled to meet with the Consulate General of Ecuador Monday in his City Hall Office to discuss any support the Consulate General of Ecuador may be able to offer.
Killoran said anyone interested in donating furniture, school supplies or money can send an email to relief@habitatwc.org or call (914) 403-4821.
Rick has more than 40 years’ experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, running the gamut from politics and crime to sports and human interest. He has been an editor at Examiner Media since 2012. Read more from Rick’s editor-author bio here. Read Rick’s work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/pezzullo_rick-writer/
