After a large fire destroyed a multifamily home in Johnson City, the community has launched aid efforts to help those who lost their residences.

On Feb. 15, fire crews responded to a basement fire in a building on the corner of Grand Avenue and Cherry Street, which destroyed the entire building and displaced about 20 residents. The Johnson City Fire Department responded to the fire with additional help from Binghamton, Endwell and Endicott units. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Since then, Johnson City Mayor Christina Charuk has coordinated relief efforts, along with contributions from the community, for those affected. The mayor’s office was also involved in reuniting a cat who was injured in the fire with its family. The cat was taken to Cornell Medical Center after sustaining burns.

“From the moment the fire was under control, I coordinated directly with emergency management, social services, and community organizations to ensure displaced residents received immediate assistance,” Charuk wrote in a statement to Pipe Dream.

Johnson City Fire Marshall Bob Blakeslee said the building was a complete loss and is being demolished. The building was home to several families, including an expecting mother and young children, who Charuk said have either since been placed in temporary housing through the American Red Cross or are living with friends and family.

She also spearheaded an emergency response form to coordinate community support for the victims. The form lists different clothing sizes and other items the families need, including baby essentials, household items and furniture.

“The most helpful ways to support right now are donating to verified relief efforts, contributing essential household items through organized drives, and checking in on neighbors who may need extra support,” Charuk wrote.

At this time, the mayor’s office has stopped accepting donations because of the community’s generosity. However, it continues to provide channels for donations to reach the affected individuals and families.

The mayor started a GoFundMe for the displaced residents on Feb. 16, which has since raised over $7,000 of its $9,000 goal.

“In moments like this, we remember who we are,” Charuk wrote on the GoFundMe page. “Johnson City has always been a community that shows up for one another. And right now, our neighbors need us.”

The donation drive has since been taken over by The Bridge Community Center in Johnson City. According to its website, the Center strives to develop relationships with community members and strengthen family stability to promote positive change in the community.

“We have the privilege of collecting and distributing the donations this incredible community has provided,” wrote Tara Terry, the executive director of the Center, in a statement to Pipe Dream. “One thing that is deeply true about Broome County — we come together and take care of those in need. The overwhelming response of our community has been a great support to these four families.”

Terry said that the Center will continue to accept gift cards, furniture and household donations until March 15. Citizens can also donate to Your Home Public Library or the Johnson City police station to help those who have been affected by the fire.

While the future of the building remains uncertain, Charuk said the property owner, insurance providers and relevant agencies will determine the next steps, which will include safety assessments and rebuilding plans.

“I am deeply grateful to our firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, and neighbors who stepped in without hesitation,” Charuk wrote. “I’m proud of our community and energized by the collective good will.”