Following the recent fire on Madison Avenue, the City of Albany, alongside the Lark Street Business Improvement District (BID), SEFCU, and the Interfaith Partnership have begun fundraising relief efforts to support the victims of the fire.
The Community Coming Together
The fire, which took place on the evening of Monday, July 17 resulted in the demolition of 406, 408, and 410 Madison Avenue, with efforts continuing to stabilize 412 Madison Avenue. The fire has left some people temporarily homeless and many with damaged and destroyed belongings. The Albany community has taken action to help those affected by the fire and continues to offer assistance.
With the help of the Lark Street BID, SEFCU, and the Interfaith Partnership, the city of Albany is working towards restoring some of what was lost by the victims of the fire. Following the tragic event, the community plans to work together to help its neighbors rebuild and move on.
What Can You Do To Help?
There are many opportunities to donate and participate in fundraisers to assist the victims of the Madison Avenue fire.
Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless (IPH) is coordinating financial donations with the City of Albany and SEFCU through the Madison Avenue Fire Relief Fund. You can donate funds to the individuals and families impacted at any SEFCU branch or by visiting InterfaithPartnership.com and noting Madison Avenue Fire Relief Fund on your donation.
On Saturday, July 22 at 8 pm, Savoy Taproom at 301 Lark Street will hold a fundraiser benefit in which proceeds will go to the relief fund. Admission is $10. You can also donate at any business along Lark Street as part of the street-wide collection drive.
Efforts include those for immediate relief and for future prevention of more fires. The fire has invigorated the “Sound the Alarm” campaign which has the goal to install 1,000 smoke alarms in Sheehan, Troy, and Schenectady on Saturday, October 14.
