Home News Local News Go Fund Me page set up for victims of Greenport house fire

Go Fund Me page set up for victims of Greenport house fire

The family of a couple left homeless after a devastating house fire have started a Go Fund Me page to help them get back on their feet.

The Go Fund Me page, called “Lost All In House Fire,” was created by Jaime Werthner, daughter of Peggy Richards, who was left homeless with her longtime partner Ken MacAlpin and another tenant, Victor Colon, Jr, after their home and everything they owned was destroyed in a fire on February 19.

“She miraculously escaped with the nightgown she was wearing,” Werthner said, of her mother.

So far, $1,820 of $10,000 has been raised on the Go Fund Me page.

“Although her house will be rebuilt, this will take some time,” Werthner said. “She, and her long-term partner, Ken are currently staying at their church in Southold. This is temporary and they will quickly need to find an apartment to rent while the house is being rebuilt. Ken is suffering from colon cancer and needs to stay in the Greenport/Southold area to be close to his doctors.”

The fire was devastating to the couple, who was already struggling, she said.

“Money has always been tight, but having to make mortgage and rent payments will create increasing challenges for my mom and Ken as they try to rebuild their home and deal with medical issues,” she said. “Due to previous financial challenges they were behind on their mortgage and the basic insurance on the home doesn’t cover anything more than the home being rebuilt.”
Donations to help towards securing an apartment and replacing all of the personal items they have lost would be greatly appreciated, Werthner said.

Meanwhile, the couple’ three cats and two dogs remain missing.
But, Richards said, while they are thankful for all those who have been searching for their animals, anyone who sees the pets should not approach them.

“They will run from strangers,” she said.

Instead, Richards asked that anyone who sees the dogs or cats call her directly at 631-448-2626 so that someone the pets are familiar with can go coax them to safety.

Missing are a border collie named Joyce, Bangor, a pitbull-border collie mix, Bella a black calico, Roxy, a red tabby, and Tripod, a white cat with striped areas and a birth defect that makes it difficult to walk.

Both dogs have skin conditions that are obvious toward their rears.

Richards said Colon, Jr. has been helping to search for the pets. MacAlpin said he let the dogs out on the night of the fire and left the door open for the cats to get

As for the cats, there has also been no word. “If they are okay, they will show up at my neighbor’s — their second home,” Richards said.

The border collie, Joyce, who is very close to MacAlpin. “She lets me know when my blood sugar goes low and when my post-traumatic stress syndrome is acting up,” he said.

MacAlpin was so distraught over his missing dogs that he wanted to forego treatment at the hospital, Richards said. “I have to find my dogs,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North Fork community has also come together in a big way to help the fire victims. Their greatest need remains temporary housing, Richards said.

Those wishing to donate clothes and other personal items can drop the off at Village Hall on Third Street, while monetary donations will be accepted at Community Action of Southold Town.

Their home, Richards said, meant everything to her. She bought the house in 2000, at the age of 46, because she said she was tired of renting. “I swore I would never leave,” she said.

To donate:

Monetary donations are being accepted at C.A.S.T., located at 311 Front Street, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until noon and 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.

Those donations can be made in cash, or in a check payable to C.A.S.T. Please write “Greenport Fire” in the memo section.

Donations can also be made on C.A.S.T.’s website, www.castsoutholdtown.org. Click on the “Greenport Fire” tab and then click the “donate” button on that page.

Clothing and other necessities are being accepted at Village Hall, located at 236 3rd Street, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Or, go to the Go Fund Me page.