UPDATE 3/15/2022 10:30 a.m. — Bethesda Beat reports that MHP’s fundraising has exceeded $500,000.
Original Story:
Silver Spring nonprofit Montgomery Housing Partnership has raised nearly $500,000 for the victims of the March 3 explosion and fire at the Friendly Garden Apartments on Lyttonsville Road, according to an announcement on MHP’s website.
“The community’s generosity has been overwhelming, with over $495,000 donated and distributions to affected families underway,” the announcement reads. “As MHP President Robert Goldman explains in this interview [shown below], more than 150 neighbors are affected by the explosion and fire, requiring significant resources to address extensive needs. Some families lost everything. We continue to accept donations to provide relief. Thank you for lending a hand to our neighbors!
“A March 3 explosion and fire devastated the Friendly Garden Apartments on Lyttonsville Road in Silver Spring, causing serious injuries, displacing more than 150 residents, and destroying multiple apartments. Many evacuated carrying very little or nothing. While Friendly Garden Apartments is not one of MHP’s properties, we maintain close ties with the community through the many affordable housing properties we have developed in Montgomery County, our preschool and after-school homework clubs, and our neighborhood development work.”
In addition to MHP’s fundraising, J. Hollinger’s chef Mike Ellis has been preparing and serving meals to the displaced residents.
The incident was ruled an accident by local and federal authorities last week.
Photo courtesy Montgomery Housing Partnership