PLAINFIELD, NJ — After a Sunday morning fire killed two people and displaced more than 90 others, United Way of Greater Union County (UWGUC) has engaged Airbnb's nonprofit arm to offer free, temporary housing to residents of 308 West Front Street.
Following the storm, United Way quickly deployed Resource Navigators on the ground to conduct assessments, identify urgent needs, and determine which families require housing support. United Way of Greater Union County has a partnership with Airbnb.org, and the duo is prepared to coordinate and provide free housing, ensuring that displaced families have access to safe, dignified shelter in the fire's aftermath.
“Our priority is making sure families have the support they need in the immediate aftermath of this tragedy and throughout the long road to recovery,” said Julienne Cherry, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Union County who also serves on the Plainfield City Council. “What moved me most was being greeted at the door by a child who goes to school with my son—someone I’ve known since kindergarten and who was just at my home recently."
“Moments like this remind us how quickly life can change and how important it is to cherish one another,” continued Cherry. "We are grateful for our partners and the community members who have stepped up with compassion and urgency.”
“United Way of Greater Union County has moved quickly to support families displaced by this fire, and we’re honored to play a role in this response,” said Christoph Gorder, Executive Director of Airbnb.org. “By leveraging Airbnb’s platform and its community of hosts, we can help ensure families have access to safe, temporary housing close to the people and places they rely on most.”
UWGUC is working closely with the City of Plainfield and the Plainfield Public Schools to align efforts and understand available municipal and BOE resources. The Plainfield Board of Education recently announced a donation drive, with clothing being accepted at 504 Madison Avenue after revealing that the two victims in the fire were district parents Leonel García-Cortez and María Guaya.
“Over the coming weeks, UWGUC will continue partnering with families to replace lost documents; secure access to food, clothing, and essential items; and provide holistic, long-term stabilization services,” the organization said in a statement. “The focus is not only on addressing immediate needs, but on ensuring families remain connected, supported, and empowered throughout their recovery process.”
For more information on how to support relief efforts or if you would like to support United Way of Greater Union County, please visit www.uwguc.org/donate