The City of Philadelphia is encouraging residents and businesses to be aware of deadlines approaching for some of the recovery support services that have been offered since the airplane crash on Cottman Avenue, near Roosevelt Mall, on Jan. 31.
The City is offering an emergency services mobile center at the Neighborhood and Community Action Center at 7374 Edmund St. The center is open weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The city has established a hotline for ongoing case management and support. Anyone needing resources or follow-up can call 215-586-3400. The online blog, which includes a Resource Assistance Directory, will continue to be updated.
Since many people are still seeking services for trauma and other mental health issues, the city’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services has mental health supports 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.
The city’s Office of Licenses and Inspections advises any residents still concerned about structural damage to call 311 or call the office’s Contractual Services Unit at 215-686-2480 (7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily). Inspectors will visit homes in the affected area free of charge.
Support services are still available through the American Red Cross. Call 800-RED-CROSS 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 alleviate economic hardship caused by the plane crash disaster. The application deadline to apply is Feb. 28.
The Mayor’s Business Action Team continues to provide personalized assistance by holding in-person office hours. Staff can assist with questions, operational challenges, financial support program applications and share resources. Upcoming dates are Tuesday Feb. 25, and Friday Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Northeast Regional Library 2228 Cottman Ave.
The One Philly Fund, established by Mayor Cherelle Parker in partnership with the Philadelphia City Fund, was created to directly support survivors of disasters that occur in Philadelphia. The fund continues to accept monetary donations from individuals and businesses that go directly to those affected by the aircraft crash incident.
Parker signed Declaration of Disaster Emergency Executive Order 2-25 which recognizes the impact of the medical aircraft crash on city infrastructure, property damage, business losses and trauma experienced by the community, and enables the city to pursue all eligible public assistance and grants to aid in recovery. ••
