The City of Philadelphia is urging residents to be aware of deadlines to apply for assistance and changes in current resources for those affected by the fatal crash of a medical transport jet next to Roosevelt Mall on Jan. 31.
Several days after the crash, citizens were directed to various shelters, emergency services, financial assistance and property damage resources during a community town hall.
A month later, the city is urging businesses and residents to be aware of approaching deadlines for some recovery support services that have been offered since the plane crash.
There are two important deadlines the city has shared.
The American Red Cross is still offering support services. Those interested in opening a case and seeing if they are eligible for financial assistance and other services must call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) by Wednesday, Feb. 26.
Small businesses that need support can apply for up to $20,000 in grant support through The Merchants Fund Emergency Relief Grants. The deadline to apply is Feb. 28.
Changes coming
Additionally, there are some changes to existing resources.
The City has been offering an emergency services mobile center at 2301 Cottman Avenue since the crash; this center will begin a transition on today at 4 p.m. With the mobile unit moving away, services will continue to be available at the City’s Neighborhood and Community Action Center at 7374 Edmund Street. The center is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Finally, the city has a variety of resources still open for those affected.
The Mayor’s Business Action Team is holding in-person office hours to provide more personalized assistance. Staff can help with applications, resources, operational challenges and answering questions. Office hours will be held at the Northeast Regional Library at 2228 Cottman Avenue, 19149. Upcoming dates are today, Friday Feb. 21; Tuesday, Feb. 25; and Friday Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. More info can be found here.
Residents or businesses affected by the crash can use a hotline for ongoing case management and support. For resources or follow-up, residents can call 215-586-3400. Additionally, an online blog, including a resource directory, will continue to be updated.
For any trauma or mental health related issues, the City’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services has support available 24/7. Those in an immediate crisis should call or text 988. For behavioral health support and services, citizens are urged to visit healthymindsphilly.org.
Anyone concerned about structural damage can call 311 or contact the Department’s Contractual Services Unit (CSU) between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. daily at 215-686-2480. Inspectors will visit homes in the affected area for free.
The city’s One Philly Fund is also continuing to accept monetary donations for individuals and businesses affected by the aircraft crash. To apply for assistance from this fund and learn more about eligibility, click here.
