Rescue Mission Gathers Donations For Tustin Fire Victims

TUSTIN, CA — Early this week an apartment building in Tustin erupted in flames, leaving many without homes and even the most basic of personal items. Now, the Orange County Rescue Mission’s Village of Hope has been designated by the City of Tustin as the donations drop-off location to assist victims of the Chatham Village fire in Tustin.

“We are heartbroken to hear of the total loss of property in the fire that raged through Chatham Village Apartments early Tuesday morning,” says Jim Palmer, President of Orange County Rescue Mission. “But we are also thankful that with neighbors helping each other and through the assistance of the Orange County Fire Authority and the Tustin Police Department, no lives were lost in this tragedy.”

The fire, which raged through the Chatham Village Apartments during the early morning hours on Monday. The blaze caused the roof to collapse, ultimately gutting the building and displacing more than 100 residents, many of whom are receiving temporary shelter at Tustin Senior Center.

“Dr. Mayor Allen Bernstein often refers to the spirit of generosity that is so prevalent in the Tustin community,” says Palmer. “To honor this spirit, Orange County Rescue Mission will be pleased to provide breakfast and lunch to all those who, in a matter of moments, found themselves suddenly homeless and are currently receiving shelter at the Tustin Senior Center for however long is necessary until temporary housing is arranged for everyone.”

The Rescue Mission is asking the community for donations of the following items, which will be provided to the men, women and children affected by the Chatham Village fire in Tustin:

• Towels
• New clothing and shoes for children and adults
• Hygiene items
• Gift cards for groceries, gas and clothing

Donations may be dropped off at between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Sunday at Orange County Rescue Mission’s Village of Hope located at 1 Hope Drive, Tustin, California, 92782. For more information, please visit www.rescuemission.org. Items can also be purchased online and delivered to the Village of Hope address.

“Our staff and residents share Tustin’s spirit of generosity,” says Palmer. “We are grateful to pass on to others the blessings of being a part of the Tustin community.”