Online Fundraiser Aims to Provide Clothes and Food for Families Displaced by Portland St. Fire

Haverhill firefighters kept a blaze in 2020 at 113-115 Portland St. from spreading in the densely packed neighborhood. (WHAV News photograph.)

A GoFundMe page has been organized to help the 15 residents who were left homeless after a fire last Wednesday on Portland Street.

A goal of $5,000 was set and, as of last night, $645 had been raised. The fundraising page was established by Allison Heartquist, chief of staff to Mayor James J. Fiorentini.

As WHAV reported, two units in the 1890-era building at 113-115 Portland St., were severely damaged and other units have smoke and water damage. Jorge Rivera, a maintenance foreman for the building owner, told WHAV a window box fan tipped over and set a fire in carpets. Remaining, according to. He told WHAV the building’s fire and smoke alarms gave residents plenty of notice to leave the building.

Two families and at least seven young children lost their home and belongings. Money raised will cover short-term housing needs and to help them buy new clothes, food and other necessities. Those with questions or any ideas to help may call Fiorentini’s office at 978-374-2300.

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