Neighbors rally to the aid of residents displaced by fire on Anderson Street

by Sandra Miller
Beacon Hill Times
The neighborhood has sounded the alarm for helping out neighbors displaced by last week’s fire at 7 Anderson Street.
No injuries were reported in the two-alarm blaze that began around 9 a.m. Tuesday on the third floor of the six-story building, and spread to the fourth and fifth floors. Fire officials estimated damages at $250,000. “It’s apparently tons more than $250,000 with smoke damage,” said civic association Director Suzanne Besser.
“We had so many people donating clothes over the weekend,” added Besser. “People have been really generous and are interested in helping them.”
The fire displaced 10 residents, including a longtime 90-year-old resident, Mildred Cochran. The woman found a place to stay with a neighborhood friend, Betty Fitzgerald, and City of Boston Neighborhood Services coordinator William Onuoha believes he has lined up a spot for her at the Amy Lowell House in the West End.
“She has first priority there,” said Onuoha. “We needed a place that’s not only elderly-friendly but cat friendly.” Unfortunately, Cochran lost her cat in the fire.
“She’s in great spirits, and she’s going to allow us to help her,” said Onuoha. The city and local residents are trying to find housing for the other displaced residents, said Onuoha, who added seven of the 10 residents were seeking housing, and that he was working directly with most of them.
Those looking for affordable area housing include a young couple, two young professional female California natives, and two men who were sharing an apartment.
The civic association had sent out an appeal e-mail to its online list Thursday. “We had just send out the e-mail, and we received help within minutes,” said Besser.
So many people called the civic association to provide money to the displaced, that the association will be setting up a fund. “If anyone would like to donate, you can write a check out to the Beacon Hill Civic Association,” said Besser. “We’ll work with the mayor’s office and decide what the fire victims need the most.”
Civic association chair John Achatz added, “At times like this, when a disaster hits some of our residents, we are reminded how fortunate we are to have such a caring and close-knit community.”

How to help:
The city is coordinating a clothing and food drive with the civic association. Donations of food, clothing or checks can be dropped off at 74 Joy Street on weekdays. Neighborhood coordinator Will Onuoha is also taking leads on rentals in the $1,300 a month range. He can be reached at 617-635-2679.