The Salvation Army Provides Aid for

Swissvale Apartment Fire Victims

Funds for clothing and/or other necessary items and rent assistance will be provided–Collaboration with other non-profit agencies and distribution will occur this afternoon (Friday 3/4)

 

Carnegie, PA, March 3, 2016:  Two days after fire destroyed an 11-unit apartment building located at the corner of Woodstock Avenue and Melrose Street in Swissvale, many local non-profit agencies are planning to assist the 49 people, which includes 15 families (25 adults and 24 children) left homeless as a result of this tragedy.  

The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services team was one of the first on the scene on Tuesday evening, with two units responding within one hour of receiving the call.  The EDS team assisted emergency personnel with hydration, warming, food and dry gloves; and provided spiritual and emotional care for victims.    

Several non profit service agencies such as The Salvation Army, The American Red Cross, Link, and The Urban League will gather tomorrow afternoon with the victims to provide for immediate needs and determine what further longer term assistance may be necessary.   The Salvation Army will be supplying those affected by the fire with critical assistance in replacing necessary items and with rent assistance.  

 “We are extremely proud and thankful for the efforts of our Emergency Disaster Services volunteers and personnel for their role in this tragedy.  We are also blessed by donors who come along side us in times of great need to help us to provide financial assistance to the victims,”said Major Deborah Sedlar, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army’s Western Pennsylvania Division.  “Helping the people who were displaced by this fire is now our priority, and it’s wonderful to see how the community comes together to help in the face of these unfortunate incidents.”

Celebrating 150 years of global service as both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865.  Today, it provides critical services in 127 countries worldwide.  The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services.  To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, log on to www.wpa.salvationarmy.org  The Salvation Army …doing the most good for the most people in the most need.