Borough and local organizations step up to help victims of St. Henri apartment fire

The Southwest borough office in Montreal along with the city's health and social services centre (CIUSSS) are teaming up with local aid organizations to assist those families left without a home after the devastating apartment fire in St. Henri.

The overnight fire just over a week ago on Saint-Jacques and Sainte-Marguerite streets destroyed 32 apartments, 21 of which were occupied.

Seven households required assistance from the Red Cross.

The following is how those who want to help can do so:

• Adult clothing can be donated to La Maison Benoit Labre.
• Children's clothing can be dropped off at Famijeunes.
• L'Epicentre Saint-Henri will give out $5 food basket services.

"Firstly, I would like to offer my sympathies to all those affected by this terrible tragedy. We support and encourage this citizen's initiative in solidarity with the residents of the Southwest," said Borough Mayor Benoit Dorais in a release. "It is an appeal to the generosity of the community to help those whose lives have been turned upside down. We thank our partners for their ongoing commitment and their contribution to the well-being of the population."

All surplus clothing donations will be redistributed to local community organizations, the release says.