‘Ready to step up and help’: Nonprofits ask community to contribute to victims of massive Hamilton Street fire in Allentown | Lehigh Valley Regional News

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Families and individuals are now left to pick their lives back together after a massive fire destroyed three buildings and damaged two others on Hamilton Street in Allentown on Monday.

As nonprofits rush to help victims, they are asking the community to contribute financially.

Cory Breeland lives a few blocks from the buildings damaged by the fire.

“Look what happened,” he said. “It’s crazy. People live in these houses here and it was all destroyed by fire.”

Three days after a major fire ravaged three buildings on Hamilton Street, affecting two others in its wake, the smell of smoke still hangs in the air.

“The smoke was all over the block,” Breeland said. “It was crazy.”

And for the neighbors, the damage is alarming.

“It’s such a shame,” said Laanda Long, who also lives near the fire. “A building this historic in this historic part of Hamilton can be gone.”

Following Monday’s fire in the 1100 block of Hamilton Street in Allentown, nonprofits told 69 News that 21 people were displaced.

“We know there are five families and five individuals, and many children ranging in age from seven to 16,” said Laura McHugh, director of engagement at United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.

That’s five families and five other people who are now trying to rebuild their lives.

“Just yesterday we received reports that some were still living in their vehicles,” McHugh said.

McHugh told 69 News that everyone is now safe, to the best of his knowledge. But officials have yet to say if or when people will be able to return to buildings.

“From what we’ve heard from the American Red Cross, I don’t think any families are going to be able to go home,” she said. “The reality is that the homes have all been destroyed or damaged too badly.”

United Way is working with the Salvation Army, the River Crossing YMCA and Community Action Lehigh Valley to provide a rapid response. The groups have created the Hamilton Street Fire Fund.

Nonprofits call on community for help.

“What families really need right now is a little bit of cash to help them get through the next few weeks,” McHugh said.

McHugh said the groups hope to raise about $20,000 for victims.

“It’s really amazing to live in a community and in the Lehigh Valley where people go, we see there’s a need and we’re ready to step in and help,” she said.

And there are several ways to donate:

You can text “Allentown” to 40403 and follow the links. Or click here.

McHugh says every link is completely secure and 100 percent of the funds go to fire victims.