Together with the Van Ness Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) (a 501(3)c non-profit) The Capitol Hill Community Foundation has created the Arthur Capper Recovery Fund to handle donations and distribution of the funds received.
The Foundation has experience handling the outpouring of donations for events such as the 2007 Eastern Market fire and when Frager’s Hardware was destroyed by fire in 2013. Meredith Fascett (ANC6D) and Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen have agreed that this is the best way of funneling donations to the affected residents.
People can donate by going to the CHCF website and there is an option for the Arthur Capper Seniors Recovery Fund on the donation page. https://www.capitolhillcommunityfoundation.com/news/2018/9/20/donate-to-the-arthur-capper-seniors-recovery-fund
Donations are also being accepted by Southeast Community Partners.
Local businesses and restaurants are also mobilizing to help. Mexican restaurant Agua 301 (301 Water St. SE) will give 10% of sales to residents from the Give Back Sundays on September 23 and September 30. District Winery will donate 10% of all carryout wine sales between Friday, September 20 and Sunday, September 23.
Willow boutique (1331 Fourth St. SE) is donating 10% of sales through Sunday to help with relief, and MRP Realty will match The Salt Line donations of 5% of their sales on Wednesday, September 26.
160 Displaced Residents
DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DC FEMS) responded to reports of fire at the building, located at 900 Fifth St. SE, shortly after 3:20 p.m. Initially a two-alarm fire, the blaze was quickly upgraded to three alarms, Douglas said.
The 162-unit housing complex composed of affordable one and two bedroom units exclusively for seniors was completed in 2007 and is privately managed by Edgewood management company. Bowser said that 161 of the 162 units were occupied as of Wednesday.
All residents were accounted for by 5 p.m., Councilmember Charles Allen said in a press release issued shortly after. Four people were sent to hospital, but there were no major injuries. A further search of the building will be undertaken tomorrow, once the building has stabilized.
160 residents are displaced by the blaze and have lost their homes and the majority of their possessions, Allen said in a Twitter video posted after the Mayor’s update.
Additional community efforts are underway. Watch Hillrag.com for more info.
This story has been updated to reflect the consolidation of efforts between the Van Ness Elementary School PTO and the Capitol Hill Community Foundation.
Elizabeth O’Gorek is the Hill Rag general beat reporter. Reach her with photos, comments and story ideas at Liz@www.hillrag.com
