PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Two important deadlines are approaching for some of the recovery support services offered to those impacted by the plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia.
On Jan. 31, a medical transport jet carrying six people, including a child and her mother, crashed in the area of Cottman and Bustleton avenues, a busy intersection near the Roosevelt Mall with many stores and row homes nearby. All six on board died, as well as one person on the ground. At least 24 people were injured — two, critically.
Several homes and cars were set ablaze, and fiery debris was strewn about. Many residents sought shelter at Samuel Fels High School. Some were transitioned to longer-term housing.
While support services are still available through the American Red Cross, residents and businesses are urged to call 1-800-733-2767 by Wednesday, Feb. 26, to open a case and see if they are eligible for financial assistance.
Small businesses have until Friday, Feb. 28, to apply for The Merchants Fund Emergency Relief Grants, which was created to help alleviate economic hardship from events including fires and natural disasters. Businesses can apply for up to $20,000 in grant support. For more information, visit merchantsfund.org
Other helpful resources
– An emergency services mobile center has been at 2301 Cottman Avenue since the crash. The center will transition at 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21. During this move, services will be available at 7374 Edmund Street, the city’s Neighborhood and Community Action Center. It will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
– The City’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services has support services available 24/7. For those in immediate crisis, call or text 988. For those seeking behavioral health support and services, visit healthymindsphilly.org.
– Any residents still concerned about structural damage should call 311 or contact the Department’s Contractual Services Unit at 215-686-2480. The department is open daily from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The city says inspectors will visit homes in the affected area free of charge.
– People can also meet with the Mayor’s Business Action Team at the Northeast Regional Library, 2228 Cottman Avenue, on Feb. 21; Feb. 25; and Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to pose questions, discuss operational challenges and financial support program applications, and share resources.
– There’s also a hotline — 215-586-3400 — for ongoing case management and support, and an online blog with a resource assistance directory.
– Individuals affected by the crash can also apply for assistance from One Philly Fund. The form, which can be filled out here, will help determine financial assistance eligibility. Donations to the fund will go directly to those impacted.