Residents, Business Impacted By East Village Explosion Getting Additional Help
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Residents who were displaced by the recent explosion on Second Avenue in the East Village are getting some additional help.
Three apartment buildings were destroyed and others were damaged.
The Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City, chaired by First Lady Chirlane McCray, announced $125,000 has been raised to help those impacted by the tragedy.
Photos: East Village Explosion
"It is truly characteristic of our city to join together in the face of adversity, and to show compassion and love to our fellow New Yorkers when they need it most – and these combined efforts of everyday New Yorkers and community and corporate partners are no exception," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "Whether they are giving a little or giving a lot, the people of this city clearly have each other's backs. The donations we've seen in recent days prove yet again that a tragedy that affects some New Yorkers touches us all."
Benefit Concert To Raise Money For Those Displaced By East Village Explosion
"I am proud of the extraordinary efforts by New Yorkers to alleviate some of the pain and sadness of the recent tragedy. I am moved by the volume of the donations that have poured in. When we face tough times, the people of this city work hard to support one another," said McCray. "Through coordination with local partners, and generous contributions from individuals and the private sector, New Yorkers have once again shown their boundless capacity for empathy."
Local blogger Jeremiah Moss has organized a "small business crawl" Saturday to help bring customers to businesses
Rocker Patti Smith is headlining a benefit concert at Theater 80 on St. Mark's Place for people displaced by the blast this Sunday.
"I saw the ruins and I realized I could possible do something to help these people," said Alan Kaufman, a local author who organized the show. "It's a community response."
The city's response to the blast is now pivoting to long-term assistance for those impacted.
If you're interested in donating to the fund can click here.
