PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Port Richmond community came together to raise money for families whose lives have been turned upside down after a devastating New Year's Day explosion.
Three homes were destroyed and at least five people were injured by the explosion in the early morning hours of January 1.
Dozens of neighboring homes near Miller Street now have boarded up windows and doors, and repairs are going to cost a lot.
That’s why community organizers planned a “Drop in the Bucket” fundraiser for Saturday, Jan. 14 at the Ancient Order of Hibernians Port Richmond Division 87 clubhouse at 3524 East Thompson Street.
“There are so many people displaced right now that still won't go into their homes because of the extensive damage on the inside,” said Ken Paul, president of Port Richmond on Patrol and Civic (PROPAC).
“They're still waiting for people to come out and go through the house, structural engineers, to make sure that it's safe for them.”
Paul lives a block away from the explosion site and feels lucky that his home is OK. “It's almost like I hit the Powerball,” he said.
Those unable to make it to the event are encouraged to donate anytime to their @portrichmondstrong Venmo account.
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