At Family ReBuild of New Jersey, we believe that "community" isn't just a word, it’s a verb. It is something we do, especially when the unexpected happens and lives are turned upside down in an instant. This past weekend, our hearts were heavy as we watched the news coming out of Dunellen, but our hands were ready to work.
When disaster strikes, the immediate aftermath is often a blur of sirens, flashing lights, and the overwhelming realization that "home" as you knew it is gone. For four families on Front Street, this became a devastating reality late Friday night. But thanks to the support of people like you, we were able to step in immediately to show these families that they are not alone.
The Night Everything Changed: The Front Street Fire
It was around 9:55 p.m. on Friday night when the Dunellen Fire Department was dispatched to the 300 block of Front Street. What started as a report of a structure fire quickly escalated into a nightmare. As the fire chief arrived, heavy smoke was already pouring through the second floor, and flames were venting from the attic.
The conditions worsened so rapidly that firefighters were forced to transition to a defensive battle. This means the situation was too dangerous to fight from the inside. Then, the unthinkable happened: the roof collapsed.
(Emergency response in action.)
Despite the intensity of the blaze and the structural failure of the building, we are clinging to a major miracle. Dunellen Mayor Jason F. Cilento confirmed via social media that all occupants had safely evacuated. No injuries were reported, which is truly a testament to the quick work of the Dunellen police and fire crews who remained on the scene until 5 a.m. to ensure the fire was fully extinguished.
While we are incredibly grateful for the safety of every soul in that building, the reality for the families involved is still incredibly difficult. They walked out with their lives, but many walked out with little else.
Family ReBuild Steps In: 14 Lives, 4 Families
As soon as we heard the news, Family ReBuild of New Jersey went into action. Our mission is to provide disaster relief in New Jersey that prioritizes dignity and immediate stability.
In the wake of the Front Street fire, we provided emergency assistance to 14 people across four families. This wasn't just about handing out a brochure; it was about meeting tangible, human needs in real-time. We helped coordinate:
- Temporary Lodging: Ensuring no one had to wonder where they would sleep on Friday night.
- Food and Nutrition: Providing meals for families who no longer had a kitchen to cook in.
- Clothing: Replacing the essentials for children and adults who lost their wardrobes to smoke and fire.
- Essential Needs: Diapers, toiletries, and the small things that make a big difference when you’re displaced.
We know that the hidden cost of displacement goes far beyond the loss of a physical structure. It’s the loss of routine, the loss of security, and the trauma of the event itself. That is why we work so hard to be the first line of support.
Today’s Update: An Expression of Love
We have some heart-warming news to share from today, Monday, March 16th.
Earlier today, Family ReBuild provided immediate financial assistance from our emergency funds to three of the families affected by the Dunellen fire. We are so happy to report that all three families have confirmed receipt of this support. Their messages of gratitude have been overwhelming.
For a family that has just lost their home, this kind of immediate help isn’t just money—it’s the ability to buy a fresh pair of shoes for a child, to put gas in the car to get to work, or to pick up groceries during a week that feels impossible. It is an "expression of love" from a community that cares.
(Strength and resilience.)
Helping these 14 neighbors brings our total impact to over 750+ families helped since we began our journey. Every time we reach a milestone like this, we are reminded of why we do what we do. Whether we are providing Burlington County family assistance or responding to an emergency in Middlesex County, our goal remains the same: to rebuild lives with dignity.
Why We Need Your Help Today
While we are proud of our response to the Dunellen fire, providing this kind of immediate emergency financial assistance in New Jersey requires a constant replenishment of our resources. When a fire breaks out at 10 p.m. on a Friday, we don't have time to run a fundraiser before we help. We have to say "yes" immediately.
To keep saying "yes," we need you.
We are looking to replenish our emergency fund so we can continue to be there for the next family facing their darkest hour. Whether it's a fire, an eviction, or an unexpected crisis, your donations allow us to move quickly and decisively.
How to Give:
Please visit our Family ReBuild Partner Portal to make a donation today. Every dollar goes directly toward supporting families in crisis and ensuring that displacement doesn't lead to permanent instability.
- Family ReBuild of New Jersey EIN: 86-1562136
- Donate Here: Family ReBuild Partner Portal
(Community care.)
A Message to Our Community
To the families affected by the Front Street fire: We see you, we love you, and we are standing with you. Rebuilding is a journey, and while the fire might have taken your belongings, it cannot take your spirit or the support of this community.
To our supporters: Thank you for being the reason we can provide help for displaced families. Your generosity is the fuel that keeps our mission moving. When you give to Family ReBuild, you aren't just making a donation; you are becoming a partner in someone's recovery.
We also want to thank Mayor Jason F. Cilento and the local Dunellen organizations, like the Red Cross and the Carol Fund, for their coordinated efforts. It truly takes a village to recover from a disaster of this scale.
Join Us in Making a Difference
If you’ve been looking for a way to make a direct, local impact, this is it. By contributing to the Family ReBuild Partner Portal, you are ensuring that when the next emergency call comes in, we are ready to answer.
You can also learn more about our leadership and the heart behind this organization by visiting the profiles of our directors, including our CEO Ananeika Gordon and our team members like Shawn Jacobs and Edward Gordon. We are a team dedicated to service, and we invite you to join us.
(Unity and leadership.)
Let’s turn this tragedy into a story of triumph and community resilience. Together, we can rebuild, restore, and renew hope for every family in New Jersey.
Will you help us replenish our fund today?
Click here to visit the Family ReBuild Partner Portal and give now.
Stay safe, stay connected, and thank you for being a part of the Family ReBuild family.
Family ReBuild of New Jersey is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. EIN: 86-1562136.
