Information and Resources for Victims of East Harlem Building Explosion and Collapse

José M. Serrano

March 16, 2014

(East Harlem, NY)- As the El Barrio community continues to recover from last week's horrific explosion and building collapse, it is important to keep in mind the growing number of people in need who were affected by this tragedy.

Along with my colleagues in government from East Harlem, my District Office, located at 157 E. 104th Street, will be accepting donations of clothing and canned goods for the victims and their families. In addition to my office, you can make donations to any of these locations listed below.  

The victims of this tragedy remain in our thoughts and prayers. I am confident that El Barrio as a community will continue to come together with the common purpose of  support, healing and rebuilding.  

The Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest

2 E. 90th Street

(Fifth Avenue)

New York, NY 10128

(212) 289-3400

Accepting: Gift cards

The Metro Hope Church 

2031-33 5th Avenue 

(between 125th and 126th Streets)

3rd Floor

New York, NY 10035

(212) 722-3800

Accepting: Canned goods and clothing

The Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City

(866) 689-4357 (24-Hour Hotline)

Providing: Victim Assistance Fund & Case Management and Counseling Services 

If you have lost your immigration documentation in the explosion and building collapse, The New York District of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) encourages you to file for replacements at http://www.uscis.gov/forms or by calling 1-800-870-3676. USCIS officials will give special consideration to fee waiver requests from applicants who lost their residence or employment as a direct result of the explosion and apply it to replace certain documents.

Additionally, personal property found at the explosion site can be picked up at the 25th Precinct, located at 120 E. 119th Street. For more information, please call (212) 860-6511.

Our community has shown tremendous strength and resiliency during this trying time.  While our community works it's way through the process of mourning, healing and rebuilding, it is important for everyone to know there are many helpful services available to them. My office will be offering technical assistance with the printing, faxing, and sending of any forms/documents related to the recovery efforts, for anyone displaced or without computer access during this period. Again, please feel free to reach out to my office if you need any information on relief efforts or support.