LAWRENCE — Mayor Michael Sullivan yesterday announced the creation of a disaster relief fund for city residents, the first of its kind in Essex County.
Through the Mayor's Emergency Fund for Lawrence, Sullivan said those who wish to donate in the aftermath of disasters like the spring floods of 2006 or January 2008 Parker Street fire can now do so instantly online.
The fund will be managed by the Essex County Community Foundation and a five-member oversight committee that includes the mayor and community activists.
About 40 people gathered outside City Hall yesterday for Sullivan's announcement, where an initial $13,000 was donated to the fund by three local charitable foundations.
"Hopefully we don't have to use this," said Sullivan. "But we know it's going to help the future of this great city of Lawrence."
The fund is the first community-specific emergency fund in Essex County, said David Welbourn, Essex County Community Foundation president and chief executive officer.
"This is the first town or city looking that far over the horizon, that is making sure it takes care of its people," said Welbourn.
Welbourn said donations to the emergency fund can now be made on the foundation's Web site, www.eccf.org.
The ECCF also works in conjunction with Lawrence-based nonprofit organizations, the Greater Lawrence Summer Fund, and scholarship funds for Lawrence High School graduates.
Sullivan said the five-member oversight committee will decide how and when to use money in the fund. Committee members include the mayor; Bridget Shaheen, executive director of Lazarus House; Isabel Melendez, director of the Spanish program at the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council; Father Jorge Reyes, pastor of St. Mary of the Assumption Church; and Benny Benigno Espaillat, a trustee with the Charles G. Pringle Foundation.
The Pringle Foundation was founded in the 1940s by Essex Street clothing store owner Charles Pringle to benefit city residents. It is overseen by a five-member board that includes the mayor.
Sullivan said the emergency fund will provide "rapid response to urgent needs" after disasters.
He cited the December 2002 drowning of four boys in the Merrimack River, the 2006 floods and 2008 Parker Street fire as disasters in the community that garnered national attention.
"People were asking, 'How can I help?'" said Sullivan yesterday. "That's why we're here."
Melendez, recalling her time spent with families who lost everything in the Parker Street fire, which displaced more than 20 families, said the fund will benefit city residents in times of desperate need.
"Today is not for tears. It's for smiling, because this is a good project," said Melendez. "With this funding, I believe it's going to help a lot."
Reyes said Lawrence is a community where people come together in times of crisis.
"Having something centralized, having something the people can look to and trust, I think is wonderful," said Reyes. "It will be there for the people who need it."
TO DONATE
Go to: www.eccf.org
Click on "Make a Donation"
Under "Fund Specified" choose Mayor's Emergency Fund for Lawrence
