How you can help Blake Street Fire Victims

On Saturday, September 11, an apartment building caught fire on Blake St in Lewiston, just around the corner from our building. One man was killed, and more than 70 people, including many families, are displaced. We were able to partner with local organizations, and our volunteers were able to serve these families, cry with those grieving the loss of their friend, as well as their homes.

The man who died was a dear friend of several of our English students. His housemates, who also lost everything in the fire, have volunteered and worked with us for several years. Please lift up this community and these two men in your prayers, as they grieve the loss of their friend. 

At this time, there are still 70 individuals displaced, including 44 school aged children, not including toddlers and babies. The fire destroyed a 7 level apartment building and damaged an identical building next to it. It is still unclear how much damage was caused to the building next door and when the residents will be able to return.

Right now, everyone has access to shelter, and there are many efforts to find new housing for those who cannot return to their homes.

We are still learning about specific needs and are working with many across the community to help and provide for immediate needs like meals and clothing.

The next few weeks will critical for these families as they try to piece there lives back together, find new housing and begin again. Over the years, we have been involved in several of these efforts in Lewiston. One thing we have learned is that the immediate needs are difficult, but the long term needs are much more challenging.

The most efficient way we can support these families in the coming weeks is to listen to then directly and be able to respond in love in real time.

To help with this, we have set up a specific fund that will be used only for the specific needs of these families who have been displaced. These funds will allow the flexibility that is needed to ensure that we can respond to these needs quickly, in real time and partner directly with these victims. Your financial gift will be used for needs like security deposits for new housing and gift cards for families staring all over.

We will also be accepting donations of specific items in the coming weeks, so please stay tuned.

Please pray for those who have been impacted by this tragedy. Pray for peace that passes understanding, hope and strength for the coming weeks and months.

Thank you for continuing to love your neighbor as yourself, for standing with your neighbors in the Tree Streets.