(Staten Island)–Five HeartShare residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities were driven from their group home in Eltingville, which was gutted in a fire last month.

The ladies of Moore Residence are accustomed to living in this beautiful home on Staten Island. They are staying temporarily in a hotel.

The home will require extensive rehabilitation due to water and smoke damage. The ladies who live at Moore Residence, are now at Hampton Inn. “Repairing the home may take over 6 months and their extended stay will incur expenses that HeartShare will have difficulty sustaining without the generosity of donors,” stated HeartShare Executive Director Linda Tempel.

The women at Moore Residence lost everything–clothing, cell phones, electronics, sentimental items and more.

Additionally, the women lost all of their personal items in the fire, including clothing. Before temperatures drop, the ladies especially need to replace winter coats, shoes, boots and accessories.

“Unfortunately, some items are irreplaceable,” said Tempel. One of the residents had a substantial doll collection, which has been one of her long-time hobbies. “I think anyone can empathize with the thought of losing sentimental items in an unexpected fire.”
The fire broke out at HeartShare’s Moore Residence on Saturday, August 13, 2016. With help of employees on shift at the time, all occupants were evacuated safely. The fire started in the attic and the cause of the fire is still being investigated.

HeartShare’s Moore Residence in Eltingville was severely damaged in a fire this summer. Contractors estimate over 6 months of work to repair the group home for five women with special needs.

“Our neighbors were very kind, coming by and asking if they could do anything for us,” said Joyce Levin, Senior Vice President of Developmental Disabilities Services. “We are hoping for continued compassion over the next couple of months.”

HeartShare estimates it needs $50,000 to replace the five ladies’ essential clothing and personal needs, as well as to cover the shortfall for their temporary housing. If you would like to make a financial contribution to help the ladies, please visit www.heartshare.org/donate, or send donations to HeartShare Human Services, 12 MetroTech Center, 29th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201, Attn: Moore Residence Recovery.

The fire at HeartShare’s Moore Residence started in the attic. The five ladies who live there and employees evacuated safely.