HOLYOKE — Those affected by a fast-moving fire that claimed three lives early New Year’s morning received some monetary relief Monday.
Mayor Alex Morse started a fund in the aftermath of the tragic fire that displaced about 50 people, taking donations both online and in person. The Mayor’s Fire Relief Fund raised nearly $115,000.
The Chamber Centennial Foundation and city officials spent much of the day Monday distributing the funds. They gave out checks for about $3,700 per unit affected — $100,000 in total for the 27 units destroyed.
They donated the remaining funds to Enlace de Familias, a group that spearheaded relief efforts for a separate fire that occurred on Main Street just a few weeks following the fatal New Year’s fire.
“We’re still in the process,” Heather Ducharme, a mayoral aide, said Monday afternoon of distribution efforts. “By the end of the day, though, mostly everyone should have them. Some people are picking them up tomorrow.”
Ducharme said most of the residents displaced have found permanent housing at this point. Some, she said, remain in need of furniture and kitchen utensils.
Amanda Drane can be contacted at adrane@gazettenet.com.