Project Reach Sidelined by 39 Eldridge Fire

We have an update regarding yesterday’s pre-dawn 2-alarm fire at 39 Eldridge Street. A representative from Project Reach, one institution that maintains a presence here, informs us that the authorities are still investigating the cause of the blaze that erupted on the fifth floor of the tenement building. Thankfully, none of the residents were harmed, but ten firefighters reportedly suffered injuries.

Photo Credit: GMD Three Studio

The thirty-year-old non profit institution itself sustained heavy water damage from the flames up above. We are told the front office is presently in shambles, and hear of no timetable at the moment for reopening.

Photo Credit: Project Reach

More about Project Reach from their website:

Project Reach is a youth and adult-run, multiracial, multi-gender, grassroots, anti-discrimination, youth organizing center with a clear mission and commitment to challenging the destruction among, of, and between New York City’s disparate youth communities. Implicit in that mission is a vision that recognizes that the empowerment of disenfranchised youth communities is critical and integral to their participation as future leaders in the larger movement for social justice.

Photo Credit: Project Reach

Meanwhile, the Preschool of America on the ground level of 39 Eldridge is also closed for the duration, leaving 100 children without care.