After a Main Street fire closed three Port Washington businesses and displaced about 50 residents, families, volunteers and entrepreneurs alike are working to get everyone back on their feet. Patch will report on new efforts as information becomes available.
Some of the displaced from the March 14 Main Street fire are looking for housing, again.
A Red Cross shelter set up at the Port Washington Senior Center Thursday, closed just two days later. Those still needing housing received vouchers to stay at a hotel in Manhasset.
But as of Tuesday at noon they will have to find other housing, Patch confirmed early Monday evening.
Asked about why the shelter was closed, Red Cross Spokeswoman Abigail Adams said, “We make an assessment. As more people find places to stay, we transition” the remaining to emergency housing.
The Red Cross is connecting the displaced seeking assistance after the fire with “community agencies that can help them,” Adams said, adding,“we stay with them every step of the way.”
Our Lady of Fatima, just steps away from the former shelter, is doing its part, assisting those in need in ways big and small – from listening and offering comfort to distributing supplies – clothing, toiletries and funding, generously donated by the community, under the leadership of the Sister Kathy Somerville, O.P., director of outreach at the parish.
Now, the church aims to offer assistance securing housing – "the next big challenge," according to a source familiar with helping the displaced.
Just how many need immediate housing is uncertain. Yet, there were approximately 50 people displaced in the fire – families, children, young men – all of whom work and attend school in the community. Ideally, the church would like to help them find housing in Port Washington.
Anyone displaced by the fire or who knows someone who was can call The Red Cross for assistance at 877-733-2767.
Patch will continue to provide updates on how to help the displaced, including where to send donations, and supplies needed, as new information becomes available.
