Fire Victims Need Assistance

Burlington Organizations Partner to Help the Residents of the Lord Baron Apartment Complex Fire

Following the fire at the Lord Baron apartment complex in Burlington, MA on October 23, there has been a great deal of confusion and a lack of communication regarding resources available to those who have been affected. In an effort to stream line and ramp up relief efforts for those who need it most, a number of local organizations have joined forces, including The Burlington Community Life Center (BCLC), People Helping People, and HELPIS. It is our goal to present a unified front to help the residents of Lord Baron who have been displaced, meet their short-term and long-term needs, and raise additional funds to sustain this effort.

Fortunately, no lives were lost in this terrible event. However, it’s reported that the building will not be ready for occupancy for about two weeks – some in the most damaged areas may be facing months –which has left the residents of the building scrambling to find short-term housing. It’s been reported that 39 units were impacted, leaving 89 residents without homes. In recent days, we have become more aware of the struggles of some of these people, who have not known whom to contact for assistance.

For the residents of Lord Baron, should you require assistance, please contact the BCLC located 61 Center Street on the second floor. You can also reach us at (781) 270-1961 or bclc@burlington.org.

Over the days and weeks to come, our organizations will partner with these residents as they cope with their loss and await return home. The BCLC is working with Burlington town officials, and through them the management of Lord Baron, to make it possible to identify and assist residents.

We have already placed a number of families in temporary housing, delivered hot meals, and provided clothing. But, we are looking for additional financial assistance so that we can serve the needs of those burned out of their apartments at the Lord Baron. The funds would be specifically used to help with 1.) extended temporary housing, which we know that many of these folks need, and 2) gift cards which can be used for clothing and other essential items.

For those looking to help our neighbors in need, you can make an online donation to HELPIS via their website http://helpis.org/; click on the “Donate Now” button. Or, you can mail a check to People Helping People, PO Box 343, Burlington MA  01803. Both organizations will ensure that the money gets to where it needs to go.

About the Organizations

The Burlington Community Life Center (BCLC) is a Town department responsible for providing mental health and social services to families with adolescents and young adults. Visit http://www.burlington.org/residents/community_life_center.php for more information.

People Helping People, Inc. is a non-profit, predominantly volunteer Burlington support program consisting of three existing groups: the Burlington Community Food Pantry, the Burlington Covenant for Basic Needs and the Holiday Program. The People Helping People Organization recognizes that there is a need within the community and responds with food, emergency fuel assistance, medicine and most importantly understanding and support. The goal of People Helping People is to maintain a town wide effort to provide assistance for meeting the necessities of living. Visit http://peoplehelpingpeopleinc.org/ for more information.

HELPIS is a Massachusetts-based non-profit organization built on the goal of creating a community of equals who provide whatever kindnesses they are able to the people they encounter in an ever-widening network of generosity. HELPIS was founded by Joyce Deliyiannis, who believes that kindness has the power to bring hope to those searching for it and by extension, change lives. During the Month of May, HELPIS challenges people to help someone in need without asking for anything in return as a reminder that even simple acts of kindness can heal, uplift, inspire, and improve the lives of others.
Visit http://www.helpis.org for more information.