Opinion Eyes on the Street

Fabric Row Fire Relief Fund launched

Ashley Hahn

April 10, 2013

Jack B. Fabrics after the fire — (EOTS on Flickr)

The Queen Village Neighbors Association launched a Fabric Row Fire Relief Fund to assist those displaced by Saturday’s tragic fire at 4th and Fitzwater, which claimed the life of Fire Captain Michael Goodwin, ruined two businesses, and displaced renters upstairs.

QVNA’s Carla Puppin explained via email that the funds raised will be directed to the renters who lived in the apartments above Jack B. Fabrics and Urban Princess Boutique:

QVNA is working with SSHD to compile a list of all persons displaced by the fire. The fund is intended first and foremost to help renters, most or all of whom we believe were uninsured, to get back on their feet. We will likely try to divide the funds evenly, sort of a surrogate insurance payment. We are assuming that businesses have insurance…We believe the number of affected residents is 12-15, but again, we are working with [South Street Headhouse District] and the Police and Fire Departments to verify.

So far the campaign has raised more than $3,500. [Click here to contribute.]

Depending on how much money is collected, QVNA may also contribute funds to the family of the fallen firefighter. The International Association of Firefighters and the Philadelphia Fire Department are expected to assist Captain Goodwin’s family. Contributions in Captain Goodwin’s memory may be made to the Firefighter’s Widow’s Fund (c/o Local 22, 415 N. 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123).

QVNA also plans to host a fundraiser event with Councilmembers Jim Kenney – the son of a firefighter – and Mark Squilla.

Here’s what the aftermath of the fire looked like on Monday:

Mayor Nutter observing the scene of the Fabric Row fire. Monday, April 8 (Ashley Hahn, EOTS)
(Ashley Hahn, EOTS)
(Ashley Hahn, EOTS)
(Ashley Hahn, EOTS)

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