The North Bergen community is coming together to rally for two families who lost everything in a fire earlier this week.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
A GoFundMe page for the Feliciano family, Joseph, Nate, and Jeremy, was started on Wednesday, the day after the blaze on 91st Street and Columbia Avenue, broke out, and has already raised $10,350 towards their $12,000 goal.
On top of losing all of their material belongings, their dog, Bam Bam, didn’t make it, and their two cats, Chester and Smokey, remain missing.
” … Unfortunately our house caught on fire while no one was home, thankfully no one was hurt but we lost our dog, and our 2 cats have not been found. We are devastated and in need of help to start over completely,” Johanna Andrade wrote in the GoFundMe page description.
“All of our personal belongings were burned. We will be needed to rehome and try to replace our belongings as well. Thank you so much in advance for any funds you are able to provide, me and my brothers thank you.”
The other family has not gone public about their losses at this time, but NB CARES, an organization launched in 2013 to help the victims of fires or other disasters, has stepped up to provide crucial support and assistance during this difficult time.
After Tuesday’s tragedy, NB CARES has offered services including a temporary shelter, clothing, and essential supplies to the affected families.
NB CARES is also collaborating with other local organizations and businesses to collect donations, coordinate recovery efforts, and ensure that these families have access to essential services such as counseling, legal support, and assistance with insurance claims.
“We are heartbroken to see our neighbors in distress, and our mission at NB CARES has always been to stand by our community in times of crisis,” state Senator (D-32)/North Bergen Nick Sacco said in a statement.
“Thank you to all the first responders for their courageous efforts and for working tirelessly to ensure this horrific fire did not result in a loss of life. Our immediate focus is on ensuring the affected families have a safe place to stay, food to eat, and the necessary supplies to begin rebuilding their lives.”
To donate to NB CARES, please contact Aimee Focaraccio at (201) 392-0229 or visit NB CARES on Facebook or at www.northbergen.org.
