Community support continues for Hatfield Village fire victims

Community donations continue to pour in for families displaced by the Aug. 28 fire at Hatfield Village Apartments, where at least 24 households lost most or all of their belongings.

Resident and business owner Jess Gillmer has been organizing relief efforts, sharing that gift cards and contributions collected at Poppy’s Tavern allowed for the purchase of three new mattresses, pillows and other needed items, which were delivered last week. 

    By James Short   

    

A $500 donation from the Souderton-Telford Business and Professional Women group funded two more mattress-and-frame sets for affected families. Gillmer said on Facebook she is still working directly with residents who suffered the greatest losses, with some already moved into housing and others still seeking new homes. One family in particular is in urgent need of a three-bedroom rental.

Earlier, Gillmer said a Walmart manager donated a $200 gift card for supplies, and strangers stepped up to help — including a woman visiting from New York who handed her $50 at checkout after learning the purpose of her shopping cart. 

“Every single person who took time and said let me help, I am so proud of this community. My faith in humanity was restored,” Gillmer wrote in a social media update.

    (Credit: GoFundMe)
  

Hatfield Township officials announced Sept. 2 that physical donations are temporarily on hold after a large response. The township asked residents not to bring more items to the administration building until organizers reassess specific needs. In the meantime, families continue to need cash assistance for essentials and housing costs. 

Hatfield Elementary School is collecting donations via Venmo at @HatfieldVillageSupport (run by Amanda Martin) or cash envelopes labeled “Hatfield Village” dropped off at the school office.

    (Credit: GoFundMe)
  

    (Credit: GoFundMe)
  

Two GoFundMe campaigns are also underway: Help Annette Rebuild After Devastating Fire, which has raised more than $14,000 of a $16,000 goal, and Help Carley and Erik Rebuild After Fire, which has collected nearly $2,500 of a $6,500 goal. 

According to Gillmer, at least three families lost everything in the fire, while many others are facing losses of 75 to 90 percent of their belongings due to water and smoke damage. The Red Cross is also assisting families.

"Many have gotten into housing, but some are still looking for new homes," Gillmer wrote. "If anyone knows of a three bedroom in the area -- that is still an immediate need for one family."

    (Credit: First Source News)