Our Lady of Fatima Outreach – Update on Fire Relief Efforts

As Port Washington Patch has reported, the outpouring of community support for the victims of the March 14 fire on Main Street has been heartwarming. 

"Port Washington’s residents have rallied in a time of crisis demonstrating the true meaning of community," says Sr. Kathy Somerville, O.P., Outreach Director at Our Lady of Fatima Church. "While we may not be able to right every wrong and fix every problem, Port Washington as a whole has shown what can be done when people come together." 

Sister Kathy and her volunteer relief team have been on the front lines since the fire, offering support to those in need as a result of this crisis. 

Clothing, supplies, meals and monetary donations began to arrive at Our Lady of Fatima's Outreach Office even as the fire still burned on Main Street. Approximately 50 people – families, married couples and men – have been assisted at Our Lady of Fatima. Support and assistance was offered in ways large and small – from a hot meal, to clothing and toiletries, a ride, a shoulder to lean on and an open ear to listen.

The challenge now is housing. The Red Cross provided two nights in the Senior Citizens Center Shelter and two more nights in a nearby hotel. Monetary donations enabled Our Lady of Fatima Outreach to provide three additional nights. As of Friday morning the displaced who were staying at the hotel were on their own to locate housing. To our knowledge, everyone has a place to stay at night, although many are cramped in small living spaces with family and friends. As they work, attend school and are part of our community, ideally they would like to remain here in Port Washington. 

If you are able to assist with housing, please call the Sr. Kathy at the Fatima Outreach Office at: 516-883-3903.

In the near future, donations of furniture, supplies and gift cards will be needed and welcome. If you would like to have your name and donation offer added to a list for future needs, please email Sr. Kathy at: KathSom@aol.com. You will be contacted when items are needed.

Sr. Kathy offers thanks and appreciation to all who have reached out (and continue to do so) to help our neighbors in need and shares a poignant quote from Mother Teresa, “Not all of us can all do great things. But, we can all do small things with great love."