Important deadlines are approaching for recovery support services that have been offered since a fatal airplane crash in Northeast Philadelphia late last month.
Support services are still available through the American Red Cross. Neighbors can call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) by Wednesday, Feb. 26 to open a case and see if you are eligible for financial assistance in addition to other services.
Small businesses can apply for up to $20,000 in grant support through The Merchants Fund Emergency Relief Grants – established in partnership with the Department of Commerce – to help ease the economic impact of the plane crash disaster. The application deadline to apply is Feb. 28.
Seven people were killed after a small medical plane crashed in Northeast Philadelphia on Friday, Jan. 31, and at least 24 people were injured.
The crash occurred shortly after the aircraft, a Learjet 55 en route to Missouri, departed from the Philadelphia Northeast Airport at 6:06 p.m. approximately 3.5 miles away from the crash site. The medical transport plane crashed into a nearby densely populated neighborhood shortly after takeoff.
The city has been operating an emergency services mobile center at 2301 Cottman Avenue since the tragedy, but the mobile unit has now moved; services will continue to be available at the City’s Neighborhood and Community Action Center located at 7374 Edmund Street. The center is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
There is a hotline available for ongoing case management and support. Anyone needing resources or follow-up can call 215-586-3400. An online blog, which includes a Resource Assistance Directory, will continue to be updated.
The City’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services has mental health support available 24/7. If you’re in immediate crisis, call or text 988. If you are seeking behavioral health support and services, visit healthymindsphilly.org.
And finally, the city’s Office of Licenses & Inspections advises any residents still concerned about structural damage to call 311 or contact the Department’s Contractual Services Unit directly at 215-686-2480 (7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. daily). Inspectors will visit homes in the affected area free of charge.
Mayor Cherelle Parker signed Declaration of Disaster Emergency Executive Order 2-25, which recognizes the impact of the airplane crash on city infrastructure, property damage, business losses, and trauma experienced by the community. It enables the city to pursue all eligible public assistance and grants to aid in recovery.
