Salem Starts Relief Fund For Victims Of Apartment Fires

SALEM, MA — The Salem Relief Fund is now accepting donations to help the nearly two dozen residents displaced in the Lussier Street fire on Dec. 27 and the Boston Street apartment fire on Dec. 29.

While no injuries were initially reported in the Boston Street fire, the blaze and heavy smoke sent around 30 residents out into the cold December night and left multiple apartments substantially damaged. Salem Police Chief Alan Dionne told Patch six units were determined to be uninhabitable and 12 residents — including four children — were displaced.

In the Lussier Street fire two days earlier, Chief Dionne said two units were damaged and uninhabitable with eight residents displaced.

The Relief Fund is accepting donations to help the displaced residents find new housing and replace destroyed belongings.

"Salem residents are incredibly generous and thoughtful," Mayor Kim Driscoll said. "As word
of the fire spread, we began receiving inquiries from people who wanted to help. I hope any resident who is able will consider making a financial donation to help our neighbors in need during this difficult time.

"One of the qualities that makes Salem such a remarkable community is how we all look out for each other. Please give what you can to help our neighbors from Lussier Street and Boston Street get back on their feet."

The city and North Shore Community Action Programs are working to help the victims find new housing and obtain Red Cross financial assistance. Those who know of apartments that might be suitable for these families are asked to contact Julio Mota at the Mayor's office at jmota@salem.com.

Donations can be made at any Salem Five bank branch or online here. They can also be mailed to Salem Relief Fund, c/o Salem Five, 71 Washington Street, Salem, MA 01970. Donations are tax-deductible and checks should be made out to "Salem Relief Fund."

The Relief Fund is asking for financial or gift card donations so the victims can choose their best use. Gift cards for clothing, groceries, meals, home goods, furnishings or personal care products can be brought to the Constituent Services Office Room (2) at Salem City Hall on Mondays through Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)