Fund Set Up for 4 Families Displaced by S. Division Street Fire

A fund has been established to help the four families displaced by last week’s South Division Street fire.

In all, 14 people in the Ortiz, Bergara, Pacheco and LoJano families lost everything in the blaze.

• SEE: House Fire on Division Street Displaces 4 Families

“We have been contacted by the families who desperately need help and assistance. Since the City has no direct avenue to place these families, we have directed them to the appropriate social services agencies to secure new homes, but they will need financial assistance beyond that available through those agencies,” said Peekskill Mayor Frank Catalina in a press release.

Catalina pointed out that in 2013, after a fire destroyed several apartments on Lakeview Drive in Peekskill, a massive community appeal for clothing resulted in tons of clothes collected at the Peekskill Elks Club and most of the donations were not useable by the affected families.

“We do not want to replicate that well intentioned but misplaced response. The most direct way to help these families will be through financial contributions,” he said. “I have enlisted the assistance of Andrea N. Catalina Esq. a local attorney, to handle the collected funds. All citizens are encouraged to assist in any amount they can afford.”

Checks should be payable to:

Andrea N. Catalina Esq.

Fire Relief Fund

Checks can be mailed to 1013 Brown Street, Peekskill, NY 10566 or dropped off at her office or dropped off at the Mayor’s Office at City Hall.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL MAYOR CATALINA AT 914-760-1570

PHOTO/Caroline Sherwin, Red Cross Public Affairs Volunteer