To provide immediate relief, the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York, Bank of America, and the Met Council will provide pre-loaded gift cards to each impacted family
Additional funds raised by the Mayor’s Fund will be distributed in coming days to families and community based organizations
Mayor Eric Adams and the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City today announced the City will distribute $2250 gift cards to each household impacted by Sunday’s fire in the Bronx to provide immediate relief for families, for a total of $265,500. The Mayor’s Fund contributed $1000, Bank of America matched that donation plus an additional $50 to cover any ATM fees, and The Met Council donated $200 food cards, for a total of $2250 going to all 118 households affected.
“The entire City of New York is grieving with the families impacted by Sunday’s fire in the Bronx. In a matter of days, we have received an outpouring of support and donations from across New York and across the country — this collective effort humbles us,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “The City is acting now to provide immediate relief to impacted families and we will continue to provide all of the support and resources we can to those affected. I’m grateful to Bank of America and the Met Council for their partnership and want all of our Bronx neighbors touched by this tragedy to know this: New York City has your back.”
"Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this horrific tragedy," said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Sheena Wright. "We hope this immediate cash assistance will relieve some of the immediate burdens facing our affected neighbors in the Bronx. I thank the Mayor's Fund and our agency partners for moving so quickly to support those in need."
“In the days after the tragic fire in The Bronx, New Yorkers responded in overwhelming numbers to help their neighbors in need,” said Daniele Baierlein and Jorge Luis Paniagua Valle, Co-Executive Directors of the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City. “We are thankful to the thousands of grassroots donors from all five boroughs and from across the country, and for the generous support from our partners in the business, entertainment, and philanthropic communities.”
“Our hearts goes out to the families impacted by this terrible tragedy. That’s why we’re so grateful to partner with Mayor Eric Adams to provide immediate relief via Emergency Food Cards to families impacted by this devastating fire. These $200 food cards can be used in any grocery store or supermarket and will allow families to buy perishable and culturally appropriate items like halal meat, chicken and dairy that are difficult to donate in large quantities because of the lack of refrigeration at the distribution sites,” said David G. Greenfield, CEO of Met Council on Jewish Poverty. “The Jewish community stands united with Mayor Eric Adams and our fellow New Yorkers to do everything we can to help these families recover.”
“I’m grateful for the support and financial contributions from my friends and colleagues, but there’s still much more work for us to do," said Bronx Native and Grammy-nominated musician Fat Joe. "Many of these Bronx families lost everything, so it’s important that we continue to donate and help those in need.”
Since launching hours after Sunday’s tragic fire, the Bronx Fire Relief Fund has received thousands of grassroots donations from across the country and from partners in the business and philanthropic community. Bronx native and Grammy-nominated musician Fat Joe also helped raise awareness in the music and entertainment industry, leading to additional donations in the first days after the launch of the fund. To date, the fund has raised more than $2.2 million. To donate, please visit www.nyc.gov/fund. To provide immediate relief now, a portion of the total funds raised will be sent immediately to each household affected. The City’s Public Engagement Unit (PEU) will distribute these cards directly to each household. For the remaining funds collected, The Mayor’s Fund will work with agency partners to assess outstanding needs and continue sending support directly to victims and local relief organizations.
The fund builds upon the strong initial support provided by first responders, city services and grassroots organizations. First responders from the Fire Department (FDNY), the New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM), and the American Red Cross provided critical assistance during and immediately following the fire.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bronx community that was affected by the East 181st Street fire," said Community Affairs Unit Commissioner Fred Kreizman. "We greatly appreciate the Mayor's Fund, Bank of America, and the Met Council for their partnership in supporting New Yorkers in need. CAU will continue to work on the ground with the interfaith community and our community-based partners to support the impacted families."
“The Public Engagement Unit works directly with communities, so we know how important it is to hear from survivors about their immediate needs, while also planning for long-term assistance” says Adrienne Lever, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit. “I am proud that our team is able to be part of this rapid response effort and provide some relief in this midst of this terrible crisis, and the City is committed to making sure the survivors get the longer term support they need.”
NYCEM established a service center at Monroe College open from 12-8pm on Thursday and Friday and from 10am-5pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, where individuals can receive assistance with City services including housing, COVID-19 testing, food, burial assistance, and mental health support. In addition:
- The City will ensure all families impacted by the fire have access to safe housing.
- The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) has trained mental health professionals on-site at all hotels and the Monroe College service center to provide emotional support, crisis counseling, and to provide referrals.
- The Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit (CAU) has coordinated an interfaith outreach response to connect clergy with impacted families.
- NYCEM and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) are ensuring interpreters are present to help individuals access services.
For local updates, individuals can text ‘181STFIRE to 692692 for updates and resources for victims. For information on the status of loved ones, call 311.
"In hard times, New Yorkers always come together and help their neighbors," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. "Following the horrific 5-alarm fire we saw this week, The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York acted immediately to not only collect funds for the impacted families, but to understand their specific needs. The news that each impacted household will receive pre-loaded gift cards immediately is a necessary step in helping these families get back on their feet. I thank the Mayor’s Fund, Mayor Adams, Bank of America and the Met Council for their partnership in making sure our Bronx families receive this direct support, and the thousands of New Yorkers near and beyond who contributed to the mayors fund to advance NYC.”
“We are still in shock by the devastating fire that occurred in the Bronx this Sunday. But we are thankful and grateful to everyone who assisted affected families during these challenging times. Our entire city was there for vulnerable families, and worked around the clock to make sure every family received the help they needed - food, clothing, housing, and financial assistance. I want to especially applaud the Mayor for the incredible leadership and support he provided every step of the way," said Council Member Oswald Feliz
New Yorkers interested in contributing to the fund can donate online: www.nyc.gov/fund, or by mailing a check, made payable to "The Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City" indicating that donations are for the Bronx Fire Relief Fund in the memo field or in a note enclosed with the check:
Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City
253 Broadway, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10007
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