On the night of March 12, 2008 a devestating five alarm fire destroyed the Winston apartment building at 3145 Mt. Pleasant St, NW. The Meriddian Hill Baptist Church was also damaged in the fire. Luckily, no one was injured but 200 low-income residents were displaced.

Please click here for an update on services being provided to the residents and to learn how you can help.

Message Sent March 18, 2008

Thank you to all who have made donations to the residents of the Winston Apartments. The community's caring and compassionate response has been amazing and a real testament to DC's big heart.

As you know, I have been a long time advocate of closing the exemption loophole on vacant properties. In the days ahead, I am co-introducing a bill with Councilmember Cheh to end the blanket exemption from payment of condo conversion fees when a building is vacant prior to conversion. Thanks to the many of you that have expressed your early support on this matter.

Message Sent March 14, 2008

I have some helpful information for anyone interested in helping the victims of yesterday's horrendous fire at 3145 Mt. Pleasant St, NW.

My office has been flooded with phone calls all day. A special thank you to everyone making donations so far.

For financial donations please call the Red Cross at 202-243-7211.

Neighbors' Consejo and Serve DC are accepting food and clothing donations. Please call Serve DC at 202-727-7925 or Neighbors' Consejo at 202-234-6855.

To donate housing please call Fred Swan with the Department of Human Services at 202-230-7696.

Message Sent March 13, 2008

We have been on the scene of a five alarm fire at 3145 Mt Pleasant St, NW since 1am this morning.

Luckily no one was injured.

The fire department's response was great and the water pressure was superb.

This horrendous fire affected six buildings including the Meridian Hill Baptist Church. About 200 people have been displaced. Metro buses were brought in to keep people warm before moving everyone to the Columbia Heights Community Center at 15th and Girard St, NW. We have been working with the residents all morning to attend to their human needs.

Low-income residents were most affected.

Neighbors' Consejo is taking food and clothing donations at 3118 16th St, NW. Please consider making a donation. You can reach Evar Sandoval at (202) 234-6855 for more details.

Photos courtesy of the Executive Office of the Mayor.