Governor Commends State and Local Efforts to Assist Victims of Lewiston Fires

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage today praised the outpouring of support for Lewiston residents displaced recently by three major fires.

“My sincerest sympathies go out to those who have lost their homes,” said Governor LePage. “Although no lives were lost, these fires have affected hundreds of people. The immediate response from state, local and county agencies, as well as non-profit organizations and private donors, showcases the best of Maine. We take care of our own in times of tragedy.”

The Governor commended L.L. Bean for providing a $50,000 corporate gift to the Lewiston Fire Relief Fund. The United Way of Androscoggin County will administer the Fire Relief Fund, which has been bolstered by an anonymous donor who has promised to match cash donations up to $10,000 by Friday.

In-kind donations have been so plentiful that they are no longer needed. Donations of cash are being encouraged. Cash donations made through the United Way will support the efforts of all the voluntary agencies involved in the response. To donate, visit www.volunteermaine.org.

Governor LePage also highlighted the tremendous effort by a coalition of state, local and county agencies to provide support to those who lost their homes.

• DHHS has convened MaineHousing, the Lewiston Housing Authority and HUD to seek housing options for displaced families and tenants.
• A Housing Fair is being held from 1 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday at the DHHS office in Lewiston.
• Androscoggin EMA, which coordinates emergency management for both Lewiston-Auburn and the county, has been working with the General Assistance offices in both cities to arrange benefits and residences for the displaced families. A strong coalition of agencies, including the Red Cross, Catholic Charities, Salvation Army and the
• United Way, is working with Androscoggin EMA. Catholic Charities is working with displaced refugee families to replace vital documents that were lost.
• Efforts are under way to identify warehouse space to house the in-kind donations already received, and a volunteer agency will determine a plan to distribute the goods. This effort is the first implementation of a plan that has been worked on for at least two years among voluntary agencies and the EMA community to handle disaster donations.

“The overwhelming response to these disasters is an example of how existing resources can come together rapidly to respond to a local emergency,” said Governor LePage. “Everyone involved at the state, local and county level is working hard to help the families that have lost their homes. I have spoken to officials in Lewiston and pledged to them my assistance in getting them whatever help they need.”