The city, the Red Cross and several other agencies are coming together to help people impacted by Sunday’s apartment building fire in Mount Vernon.
A shelter has been created at Holmes Elementary School for the dozens of residents who have been displaced.
That's also where residents can get connected with needed resources and services during this difficult time.
"I'm grateful to be alive and I'm grateful that we have this support system," says Dionne Robinson, who lives in the building where the fire happened.
The five-alarm fire happened at an apartment building on Cottage Avenue.
Two people and several firefighters were hurt.
"A fire of this magnitude only happens once a decade maybe," says Mount Vernon Fire Commissioner Kevin Holt.
People from all over the community are stepping in to help.
"It's just, it's the holidays and this is a catastrophic event for a lot of families. We want to just do what we can," says Mount Vernon resident Bernesta Benjamin.
"Through the midst of all the soot and the ash of this fire, we are still shining bright like a diamond. I appreciate the resilience and the unity that has been shown," says Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard.
Officials with the city are coordinating meals for the residents.
Clothing donations are being accepted at the Doles Center.
A lot of other essential items are needed for these residents, you can also make monetary donations.