BIDDEFORD (NEWS CENTER Maine) — The community is opening their hearts and wallets to help people displaced by a deadly fire in Biddeford earlier this week.
The fire broke out Monday morning and destroyed a six-unit building and damaged another apartment building.
The blaze killed 88-year-old Arnold Goldman. Investigators believe the cause is likely accidental.
The 37 people who lived in the building at 45 Hill St. and another building damaged by smoke and water are homeless. The good news is, as of Thursday night, more than $5,200 raised through a GoFundMe account started by State Rep. Martin Grohman is helping the fire victims in real time.
Piles of $25 and $50 gift cards are just one way fire victims are getting a much needed helping hand.
The Biddeford emergency response fund is being deposited daily into an account run by the Biddeford General Assistance program. The fund is helping people with short-term housing when their assistance from the Red Cross runs out.
The money is also going to pay for personal items General Assistance does not cover, like eyeglasses. Donations of food, clothing and other items are also being collected at city hall to help people rebuild their lives.
"The hotels are so expensive," said General Assistance Administrator Kristen Barth, "so it's trying to find them a stable unit to go to food and clothing are big things right now."
Besides food and clothing, there is a big need for small and medium appliances and furniture items to furnish a home. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Biddeford City Hall.
Here is the link to the GoFundMe account: https://www.gofundme.com/biddefordhillstreetfire
Large items can be dropped off at Saco River Market, located at 40 Main St., on Saturday, April 7, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The deadline for donations is April 12. For more information go up www.biddefordmaine.org