TC Assists Fire Victims

A five-alarm fire engulfed a seven-story apartment building in Morningside Heights on the Upper West Side in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Nov. 19th, leaving about 200 people homeless and about 15 firefighters injured.

The Office of External Affairs contacted local officials and the American Red Cross this morning. Our office has been especially in touch with Councilman Bill Perkins' office, which is assisting members of his district during this emergency. Perkins said he was grateful to TC for showing concern for the victims of the fire.

Members of External Affairs assisted Paul Mader, the chef of the catering firm Great Performances, in carrying provisions of food and water into Lerner Hall, the temporary emergency center. Hundreds of homeless people were being registered by the Red Cross at the site. Great Performances is the same catering service that provided assistance after the 9/11 disaster

Virginia D. Mewborn, the Senior Director of Emergency Service for the American Red Cross, who was at the Emergency Center, told External Affairs that for now the agency is finding temporary housing and food for the residents of both 92 and 94 Morningside Avenue. She added that she would get in touch with External Affairs as the Red Cross works through the early logistics.

Published Thursday, Nov. 21, 2002