Community Rallies to Support Displaced Residents After Tragic Hintonburg Fire
The Hintonburg Community Association has launched an urgent assistance fund to support nineteen residents who were displaced by a devastating rooming house fire that occurred on Sunday night at 65 Armstrong Street. The blaze resulted in tragic consequences and has left many without homes for the foreseeable future.
Tragic Loss and Immediate Aftermath
A 70-year-old male resident was discovered unconscious inside the burning building and was subsequently transported to hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the victim, as investigations into the fire's cause continue.
The fire caused significant structural damage to the property, with assessments indicating that repairs will take many months to complete. This means the displaced residents will be unable to return to their homes for an extended period, creating an immediate housing crisis in the community.
Emergency Response and Temporary Solutions
In the immediate aftermath, the Canadian Red Cross provided crucial assistance to the displaced individuals for the first three nights following the fire. City officials are now actively working to secure both temporary and permanent accommodation solutions for those affected by this tragedy.
The building landlord and Ward 15 Councillor Jeff Leiper have joined forces with the community association to establish financial support mechanisms for the displaced residents. Their collaborative effort aims to provide immediate relief during this difficult transition period.
How to Contribute to the Relief Effort
The Hintonburg Community Association has established the "HCA Fire Fund" to collect donations for those impacted by the fire. Community members wishing to contribute can do so through the following methods:
- E-transfer donations can be sent to treasurer@hintonburg.com with "Fire Fund" noted in the message section
- Cheque donations can be delivered to the Hintonburg Community Association Inc. at the Hintonburg Community Centre, located at 1064 Wellington Street West
- Donors should write "Fire Fund" in the memo line of any cheques submitted
It is important to note that the Hintonburg Community Association is not a registered charitable organization and therefore cannot provide tax receipts for donations received.
Urgent Timeline for Fund Distribution
Community leaders have emphasized the pressing nature of this situation, stating publicly that "time is of the essence" when it comes to providing support to those displaced by the fire.
The association plans to make an initial disbursement of donated funds by January 29th, with a second distribution planned for any contributions received after that date. This accelerated timeline reflects the urgent needs of residents who lost their homes and belongings in the blaze.
The establishment of this community fund represents a significant grassroots response to a local tragedy, demonstrating how Ottawa neighborhoods can mobilize quickly to support vulnerable residents during times of crisis.
