City of Milford continues efforts to help Norwalk fire victims

City continuing to provide support for Fire victims

The news and photographs from Monday’s fire on Richards Ave are stunning and the damage to the building was extensive. While there is never a good time of year to experience a life-changing event like a fire, having the fire this close to the holidays are especially hard. A total of 54 units (approx 100+ people) were affected by this fire and all residents are displaced. The City is also working to access SBA assistance (Small business Administration) which can provide assistance after major fires and can be another resource for displaced residents.

As with other fires, the City is providing assistance to fire victims through the Fire Dept- Emergency Management. This assistance includes gift cards as well as information and community referrals. The American Red Cross will also provide financial assistance to meet the immediate needs of residents.  “We’ve received calls and emails offering assistance and the outpouring of support and generosity has been amazing.” Said Michele DeLuca from the Fire Dept- OEM.  “We are reaching out to the residents to offer support and assistance as they begin their recovery. The greatest need is donations to the NFD- fire victims fund or gift cards so they can purchase what they need when they are ready for it.”  

We’ll be meeting with the residents on Saturday to offer support and drawing down our current balance in the fire victims fund to provide gift cards before the holidays. They’ll also be able to access Red Cross assistance and receive comfort/hygiene kits and other supplies.  Additional referrals and information will be provided and more assistance can be provided as they move forward with their recovery. This is the largest structure fire with the most number of residents displaced in at least 20+ years.

In addition to the outpouring of support from residents and businesses, the Mayor and Common Council will be making a donation to support residents.  At Tuesday nights, Common Council meeting, the Mayor spoke about the fire and encouraged residents to also donate if they were able. The Mayor acknowledged that although the loss of contents and homes was tragic and residents face a long recovery, no residents or firefighters were killed or injured in this fire. "We hope that our donation will encourage others to do the same and help those families displaced by the fire during this holiday season." Said Nick Kydes, Common Council president.

Numerous businesses have come forward to help coordinate donations or collect/ distribute used items. Forever Sweet Bakery and the Animal Hospital at CT Ave, have become fantastic partners. Ripka’s café at Calf Pasture will be donating 50% of sales over the coming weekend. NBC sports is donating new items for the residents, these are only a few of the many offers of business and individuals offering to help their neighbors through this disasters. 

To make a donation, please make checks payable to Norwalk Fire- Fire Victims Fund. Checks or gift cards (any amount) can be mailed or dropped off to the Norwalk Fire Dept- 121 CT Ave.