GREENFIELD — In the wake of an apartment house fire that badly damaged 114 Wells St., Greenfield residents and the property’s landlord are rallying to provide aid for the victims.
South Carolina residents Debra and Dale Mathey, former county residents who own the building, are giving money to Home Furnishing Co. on Main Street to provide furniture to the displaced tenants.
The Matheys lived in Franklin County for more than 30 years before moving south. Debra Mathey grew up in Shelburne and Dale Mathey lived in Millers Falls, where his father was fire chief.
“My husband and I will be giving $1,000 now, and absolutely more later,” Debra Mathey said, “As much as we can give, we will give to every tenant who has been displaced. We will do everything we can to help these people.”
Both Matheys are firefighters. Dale Mathey worked for the Greenfield Fire Department for more than 30 years, and Debra Mathey was on the Erving Fire Department for about seven years. She said because of that, they understand how scary being inside of a fire can be.
“We’ve been in a lot of fires. We know how that can be,” she said, “People don’t realize how terrifying it can be. You’re not supposed to be in a burning building.”
The furniture store has set up a fund for the victims, called the 114 Wells St. Fire Victims Fund, to which the public can donate. Home Furnishing Co. is also lowering the prices of some furniture pieces to make items more affordable to victims.
“We’re also going to donate some furniture,” said Jeff Abrahamson, co-owner of Home Furnishing Co., “And we will offer free delivery to victims within a 20-mile radius.”
Anyone who wants to make a tax-deductible cash donation to the fund can bring or send money to the furniture store’s Greenfield location. Abrahamson said they’ll also accept furniture that’s in good condition, as long as people call ahead at 413-773-9541 before bringing it to the store.
On Thursday, the insurance company said that the building can be repaired, and doesn’t have to be torn down altogether.
That’s good news for Dwane St. Marie, who was a tenant of the triplex that housed seven and also the property manager. He said he is planning to purchase the house after renovations.
Madelynn Malloy, another victim of the fire, said that she has taken a leave of absence from The Association for Community Living, where she works, until she can find another place to stay and so she can be with her daughter, Josephine.
“I’m trying to keep her (Josephine’s) schedule as normal as possible,” she said, adding that Josephine hasn’t missed much school.
The 99 Restaurant on Colrain Road in Greenfield is also collecting money for victims of the fire. Matt LaFleur, a manager at the restaurant, said that they’re also trying to put together a clothing drive.
You can reach Andy Castillo at: acastillo@recorder.com
or 413-772-0261, ext. 263
On Twitter, @AndyCCastillo