Updates on the fire at 1447 Chapin Street

On New Year’s Eve, a devastating fire broke out at 1447 Chapin Street NW, in our Commission area. Some residents had to make harrowing escapes out windows and across rooftops. At least two neighbors were hospitalized.

In the following days, all residents of the building were informed that their units (20 in total) are uninhabitable — meaning that all of the residents are displaced for at least several months during investigation, assessment, and restoration. Many have lost many or all of their possessions due to fire, smoke, water, and firefighting chemicals.

In hopes of providing some support to our neighbors whose lives have been turned upside down, the Commission is honoring their request to pass along a few ways to help out:

• The residents are operating a GoFundMe to offset the large costs they face, even after insurance coverage.*

• Many displaced residents need a place to live for the next several months, but the cost of a month-to-month lease can be prohibitive. Do you have a room or apartment for rent? Do you know someone nearby who does? Please submit this lessor interest form to alert our displaced neighbors to options for medium-term housing that won’t cost an arm and a leg.

• The local Red Cross was on the scene of the fire providing medical and relocation support. It’s always a good idea to support local charities that provide these services in critical times — by volunteering, donating blood, and more. Learn more here.

Thank you for your attention and caring.

* Please note that the Commission is not involved in the fundraising effort, but is merely sharing the listing information for awareness.