When Hurricane Maria brought devastating damage to Puerto Rico in September, Jersey City residents were quick to offer any assistance they could.
A countless number of donated supplies were shipped from the Department of Public Works building on Linden Avenue to the island and some are still waiting to be delivered. But with a series of devastating fires in Jersey City, those supplies are now helping local residents.
On Friday afternoon, 30 families recently displaced by fires in Jersey City this year were invited to pick up food and other necessities from the donations stash.
"It's important to take care of people in need both abroad for natural disasters and here at home during unfortunate situations," said Councilman Daniel Rivera, who has organized the initiatives.
Two serious fires in recent weeks forced dozens from their homes on the south side of the city alone.
On Jan. 31, a raging four-alarm fire ripped through a home on Grant Avenue, critically injuring one man found in the basement. The fire displaced 20 people from multiple families.
Four days later a fire damaged two homes on Myrtle Avenue.
Crews spent hours making sure the fire was completely extinguished.
Caitlin Mota may be reached at cmota@jjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitlin_mota.