Relief Efforts Underway for Hancock Street Fire Victims

The City of Salem has begun relief efforts for those residents displaced or impacted by the large fire on Hancock Street on May 9, 2022.

If you would like to assist:

• 100% of donations to the Salem Relief Fund will be distributed to displaced persons starting the week of May 16^th. You can make a tax-deductible donation to the Relief Fund in any amount online at www.salemma.gov/relief or by check payable to “Salem Relief Fund” at any Salem Five location or to the Office of the Mayor, 93 Washington Street, Salem MA 01970. Funds distributed to fire victims from the Relief Fund are unrestricted and can be used for any purpose the victims require.

• If you have or know of any alternative housing options in the area, even temporary or single room locations, please contact Julio Mota, Constituent Services Director, in the Mayor’s Office at jmota@salem.com or 978-619-5600.

• Donations of goods, furniture, clothing may be requested in the coming days as the specific needs of the victims are ascertained in greater detail. In the meantime, the easiest, quickest, and most flexible way to support them is through a financial donation to the City’s Relief Fund.

• If you represent an agency, organization, nonprofit, or other group that are able to provide assistance to the fire victims in some manner, please contact Julio Mota, Constituent Services Director, in the Mayor’s Office at jmota@salem.com or 978-619-5600.

If you are or know someone who was displaced by the fire:

• Contact Julio Mota, Constituent Services Director, in the Mayor’s Office at jmota@salem.com or 978-619-5600 so your contact information is available for outreach and ongoing support.

• If you have a Salem Public Schools student in your displaced family, please contact Adam Colantuoni, Executive Director of Student Services and Family Support, at acolantuoni@salemk12.org or 978-740-1225.

• Eligible displaced persons can apply for emergency housing through the Salem Housing Authority. Visit https://salemha.org/public-housing/ to apply and call 978-744-4431 with any questions. It is important to properly apply as a displaced fire victim to be placed on the emergency list, not the standard waiting list.

• Contact the Red Cross for access to a caseworker, mental health counseling, and a gift card that can be used for food, clothing, household belongings, and so forth: 800-564-1234.

• City and emergency housing funds for first and last rent and security deposits are available for qualifying displaced persons through North Shore Community Action Programs: 978-531-0767.

• Free food and groceries are available through the Salem Pantry. Check the schedule at http://www.thesalempantry.org/programs or call 978-552-3954.

• If you require assistance accessing laundry services, please contact St. Peter’s Church at 978-745-2291. The church is providing laundry assistance through Fresh Express Landry Center, 95 Congress Street, owned by Jim Whitmore.

• If you require shower and bathroom facilities, you are welcome to use the facilities at the Salem YMCA (1 Sewall Street).

• Lifebridge can provide free clothing, emergency shelter for qualifying persons and as available at their site, and assistance in recovering lost vital records: 978-744-0500.

• Contact Catholic Charities for a gift card that can be used for food, clothing, household belongings, and so forth: 978-740-6923 x8071.

• The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Team is assembling additional resources for displaced persons from the fire. Information about those resources and how to access them can be found by calling the Salvation Army Salem at 978-744-5181.

• In the coming days you can contact Salem Fire Prevention to receive a copy of the Fire Report for the incident, which may be necessary for insurance claims and accessing other services. Call 978-745-7777 between 8am-9am and 2pm-4pm on weekdays to request the report.

“I want to express my gratitude, on behalf of our entire community and the South Salem neighborhood especially, for the brave and selfless service of the members of the Salem Fire Department and all the first responders who assisted in responding to this fire,” said Mayor Kim Driscoll. “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 special community is how we all look out for each other and the generosity of neighbors toward one another. Please give what you can to help our neighbors from Hancock Street get back on their feet.”

“I would like to recognize the dedication and actions of the men and women of the Salem Fire Department and all of the other departments and agencies who helped in fighting this devastating fire,” said Salem Fire Chief Alan Dionne “While the cause of this fire remains under investigation, it does also offer an opportunity to reiterate some important fire safety reminders for the community: make sure you have working smoke detectors in your house, that wiring is up to code, and that all dryer vents are clear both inside and outside the house. Also, never smoke inside your house or on a porch or deck. Make sure all smoking materials are completely extinguished after use. The most effective fire response is fire prevention.”

“Our thoughts are with our Salem school families who were impacted by yesterday’s fire on Hancock Street,” said Superintendent of Salem Public Schools Dr. Stephen Zrike. “Salem Public Schools’ City Connects Coordinators, Family Engagement Facilitators, and school leaders are working with identified staff and families who may have been impacted. If you have questions or have been impacted by the fire, please contact your school to be connected with those who can assist."