New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced Wednesday that an additional $3 million in cash assistance will be made available to help more than 150 homes affected by the New York City fire. Twin Parks in the Bronx that occurred on January 9.
The trusted community partner BronxWorks has been chosen to distribute the $3 million in cash assistance and will receive an additional $500,000 in funding to provide long-term services and supports for the next 12 months to those affected.
This work will complement and build on the case management services and support that BronxWorks has already been serving residents for the past two months. Since the fire, the Mayor’s Fund has raised a total of $4.4 million in monetary and in-kind donations, of which approximately $937,000 has been spent so far on cash assistance, food, funeral services and more.
Immediately after the fire, the Mayor’s Fund established the Bronx Fire Relief Fund to provide supplies and assistance to families affected by the fire. The contract with BronxWorks has two primary goals: first, to provide cash assistance to affected families, and second, to provide ongoing case management to families, while also connecting them to other resources and benefits that may provide additional government benefits. in the future.
The case managers of BronxWorks they will engage families for a full 12-month period, or until families stop interacting with them, and will serve as a single point of contact, so that affected individuals do not need to contact multiple agencies and organizations for different needs. Specifically, the organization will conduct needs assessments and help those affected by the fire access services, benefits and resources, including those related to mental and physical health, legal services, financial counseling, benefits, job training and employment services, child care, food pantries, grocery store cash cards, and other necessities.
The city is also making available to residents who want to move in a new mixed-use and affordable housing development located in the Melrose neighborhood of the Bronx. The city, the American Red Cross and Twin Parks owner Camber have extended hotels for families affected by the fire through April 7, 2022. Families who want to move to La Central or return to Twin Parks receive assistance in the form of moving loans and furniture loans through CVR and BronxWorks. In addition to the support provided by the city and other groups, Camber has distributed $5,000 in financial assistance per household to residents.
“New York City is committed to helping the more than 150 families who suffered from the unspeakable Twin Parks tragedy, and we continue to deliver on that promise day after day,” said Mayor Adams. “These families will soon see an additional $3 million start coming into their pockets to help them with food, shelter, household items, or whatever else they may have lost. But we’re in this for the long haul, as picking up the pieces won’t be easy, so we chose BronxWorks to cut red tape and provide those affected with comprehensive services over the next 12 months to help families get back on their feet. I want to thank the Bronx Borough President and many other elected officials, community groups and individuals for helping raise a total of $4.4 million so far and providing their invaluable support and commitment to affected families.”
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