Governor Rell Assembles “Care Team” to

Assist Families Displaced by Norwich Fire

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today assembled a team consisting of personnel from more than a dozen state agencies to assist individuals and families displaced by the fire at the Peachtree Apartments in Norwich.  As a result of the six-alarm blaze early Saturday morning, more than 150 people were left homeless.

            In the wake of meeting with victims on Sunday, Governor Rell created a “Care Team” that will help these individuals and families begin reassembling their lives.

“In the past forty-eight hours we have experienced an overwhelming response from the public, businesses and organizations looking to help the families that were displaced by the fire,” Governor Rell said.  “While some of their basic needs – food and shelter – are being addressed temporarily, we also need to help them start their lives all over again.”

            “These families lost everything, including things that can never be replaced.  But there are things, such as a driver’s license or military discharge forms, that we can help replace,” Governor Rell said.  “The “Care Team” I have assembled will help these individuals and families begin to piece their lives back together.”

            Governor Rell’s “Care Team” includes representatives from the Departments of Public Health, Children and Families, Social Services, Economic and Community Development, Motor Vehicles, Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Mental Health and Addiction Services, Veterans’ Affairs, Consumer Protection, Insurance, Banking, Revenue Services, and the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority.

            The City of Norwich has set up a centralized location – the city’s Human Services Office located at 80 Broadway Street – to assist fire victims.  Throughout the week, staff from the agencies listed above will be in Norwich at the Human Services office to help individuals with a variety of services, from replacing their driver’s license to helping them secure birth certificates and other health-related documentation.

            “These individuals and families are facing some very trying times over the weeks and months ahead and I want to do everything in my power to make their lives less complicated so they can begin the recovery process.  While the glow of the embers will fade over the next several days, we need to keep these families fresh in our minds and not forget the hardships ahead,” Governor Rell concluded.

            Donations to the American Red Cross can be made by calling toll-free (877) 243-5727 or visiting www.charteroak.redcross.org.  Those who wish to mail donations (checks can be made out to the American Red Cross – Norwich Families Fund) can send them to:

            American Red Cross

            Charter Oak Chapter

            P.O. Box 5003

            Hartford, CT 06102-5003