Food Pantry to Hold Drive for New Haven Fire Victims

This weekend, a West Haven food pantry will collect food, money and paper goods to help more than 100 residents displaced by a three-alarm fire in New Haven.

Some 125 people were displaced when the Bella Vista senior living center went up in flames early Wednesday morning, according to West Haven Mayor John M. Picard.

A three-alarm electrical fire engulfed the complex around 4 a.m. Wednesday, injuring three firefighters and leaving many without a place to live, authorities said.

The displaced residents are staying at the Econo Lodge hotel in West Haven, and the mayor is asking for help in getting them back on their feet.

Mayor Picard released a statement Friday asking community members to lend a hand this weekend. On Sunday, the WHEAT food pantry will be collecting food and supplies for Bella Vista residents.

The pantry, located at 647 Washington Avenue, is normally closed on Sunday but will open from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. for the Bella Vista drive.

Sixty firefighters responded to the blaze on Eastern Street. Officials said the fire started in a 13th-floor electrical closet and made its way downstairs to the 9th floor.

Now, crews are working to make repairs and move residents back in as quickly as possible.

But that could still take more than three weeks, according to officials from the management company.

For more information, call the WHEAT food pantry at 203-931-9877.
 

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