Arlington Department of Health & Human Services and the Arlington Housing Authority Leading Effort to Support Residents Displaced by Fire

ARLINGTON — Director of Health & Human Services Christine Bongiorno and Arlington Housing Authority (AHA) Executive Director Jack Nagle report that their agencies are among several working together to provide critical support to residents displaced by the recent fire at AHA’s Chestnut Manor property.

Arlington HHS through the Council on Aging (COA) and the AHA have been meeting daily with representatives from Minuteman Senior Services, Somerville Homeless Coalition and the American Red Cross to identify and work toward meeting the needs of residents displaced by the Jan. 22 fire.

“Helping the residents impacted by the fire move forward has truly been a community effort,” Bongiorno said. “We’re grateful for the support of everyone who has contributed to this effort, from those who have made monetary donations to the organizations that have collaborated to provide critical aid to residents in need.”

The organizations have worked to help residents salvage their belongings, replace what could not be salvaged and place them in new units. In addition, a donation fund established by Arlington HHS and the COA has raised nearly $35,000 to support the 21 residents who were displaced. The COA, AHA and Minuteman Senior Services staff had been working with residents to help them replace personal items and furniture that was damaged in the fire and Arlington EATS has been restocking their refrigerators and cabinets with needed food.

“Every bit of support for our residents is both meaningful and impactful,” Nagle said. “The community’s response during this time of need has been invaluable, and I’m confident that generosity will be a tremendous benefit for our residents as they move into their new homes.”

Of the residents who were displaced by the fire, two have moved back into their apartments, which were not significantly damaged. The remaining 19 have been assigned to new permanent units and move-in dates have been scheduled. AHA has partnered with Mini Moves to provide packing and moving services to residents.

Once residents have moved into their new units, Arlington EATS will work with them to stock their new kitchens with food items. Additionally, residents have been provided with Visa and grocery store gift cards to offset the cost of food and clothing while they are temporarily living in local hotels.

To donate to the fund supporting residents, click here.