Family Displaced By Fire Finds New Home, Still in Need of Donations

It's been a hard few weeks since a devastating fire on Sept. 19 destroyed the home of a Geiger Lane family — a blaze later determined to have started behind a couch in the home — and the family reportedly has been able to move into another home.

Even so, after relocating to a rental in another town, Jane Asch, Office of Emergency Management coordinator for Warren Township, said the Yusim family is still in need of many essentials.

"They have lost absolutely everything except the clothes on their backs, and had no insurance," Asch said.

The family lost virtually everything in the fire that quickly engulfed their home in a blaze that brought multiple firefighting and first aid squads to their quiet street in Warren Township.

Nevertheless, "They were lucky to get out alive," Asch said.

But while the family still had each other, they had other discouragements when someone apparently stole what belongings they managed to save from their home — and a few early donations that were on the property, Asch said.

Nevertheless, the community has been rallying with donations, as have some organizations, Asch said.

Right now, she said the family still is most in need of gift cards for food, and for household items from stores that sell such merchandise. 

Donations of gift cards can be brought to the Warren Township Police Headquarters, Asch said.

"I will make sure they will be given to the family," Asch said. She asked that gift cards be placed in a sealed envelope addressed: Attention: Jane Asch, OEM. Asch thanked the police department for helping to collect the gift cards.

Family sending thank you cards

Asch asked that those donating gift cards include their name and address, since the family has been sending thank you cards to those who have contributed.

Asch also offered thanks to all the residents whom she said had so generously made donations. Jewish Family Services and Somerset County Social Services also had been a source of assistance following the fire, she said.

Asch said she would offer updated information as available.