Community Update

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.