The overseers of The Station Nightclub Fire Relief Fund, who have already distributed more than $2 million to victims of the fire, have reconsidered how to spend some of the remaining $1 million in donations.
Months ago the advisory committee had decided to use the money for long-term needs such as mental-health services for children who lost parents in the fire.
But as the fire's Feb. 20 anniversary approaches, "we're still hearing from the families that they need some more direct relief" to help pay bills, the Rev. John Holt said yesterday.
So between now and March, the fund's advisory committee expects to spend some $300,000, Mr. Holt said, on rent and utilities for families on Supplemental Security Income, food and clothing vouchers for nearly 200 families affected by the tragedy, child daycare, medication copays, and counseling through Family Service of Rhode Island.
The fund also plans to offer airfare and accommodations to relatives of the 100 people who died in the fire who may be returning to Rhode Island to observe the one-year anniversary, Mr. Holt said.
Governor Carcieri announced Tuesday that the state would hold a memorial service Feb. 19 at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet to observe the anniversary.
Carcieri also announced the creation of a network of mental-health agencies that will seek out and treat those who are emotionally suffering from the loss of loved ones and friends.
Said Mr. Holt: "There was a great sense on the part of the committee to do something in this period as we approached the anniversary. We didn't want people on SSI to worry about paying their rent when they are just trying to get through February" and the anniversary.
Last month, the fund sent $100 food vouchers and $100 toys and gift vouchers to some 155 families, and continued paying many short-term bills.
"The very heartfelt, positive response from the families made it clear this was one of the best ways we are serving them," said Mr. Holt, chairman of the relief fund, jointly managed by the Rhode Island Foundation and the United Way of Rhode Island.
Mr. Holt said much of the remaining $1 million in donations would probably still be used for such long-term programs as mental-health counseling for children. Sixty-four children lost one or more parents in the fire, and another 100 lost relatives.
"We're certainly hoping," said Mr. Holt, "that we can leave some valuable support system in place for these families once [the fund] has been distributed all the dollars donated by charitable Rhode Islanders."
