Zimmer reaches out
 
Tuesday January 29, 2008 PM JJ

Fourth Ward City Councilwoman Dawn Zimmer sent out the following press release regarding this morning's fatal fire at 1203 Washington St.

Dear Neighbors,

This morning I talked with seniors, single mothers, and families in shock from the trauma and loss of their possessions to last night's fire. Hoboken's Public Safety Director, Fire Dept., Police, and Emergency Management, together with the NJ Chapter of the American Red Cross are working together to address the immediate needs of the fire victims. There's no official number at this time, but there may be an estimated 35 homeless families as a result of this fire.

Unfortunately many of the victims do not seem to have any renter's insurance. The Red Cross is currently assessing and helping with the victims' immediate needs. However, victims will need our community's help with the longer struggle to replace lost or smoke damaged possessions.

Helping with Short-term Needs:

Donate online to the American Red Cross at: www.redcrossnnj.org

The Red Cross understands that people will want their donations to go towards Hoboken victims, and explained that you can ensure this by donating to the Local Disaster Relief for the Northern NJ Chapter of the Red Cross, and specifying Hoboken when you make your online donation.

Helping with Short-term and Longer-term Needs:

2nd Ward Councilwoman Mason, in whose ward the fire occurred, has established a fund for fire victims.

Pending an online donation system, checks can be dropped off for victims through Wachovia Bank at Two 14th Street or their River and 1st Street location.

Please make checks payable to: 2nd Ward Victims Fire Fund

Clothing and Toiletry Donations:

The YMCA will be accepting clothing donations. Please donate clean, gently used clothing for our neighbors.

Hobokenites impacted by this fire can shower at the Y, so new clothing at this location would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for helping out your neighbors in need.

4th Ward Councilwoman Dawn Zimmer