One month after the fire that destroyed the Francis Drake Hotel in Minneapolis on Christmas Day, the Minneapolis Area Realtors Foundation is pleased to learn that just over $580,000 has been donated to support the individuals and families who were displaced by the fire.

The Foundation contributed $1,000 to the Minnesota Helps – Drake Hotel Fire Recovery Fund as part of its mission to support local organization’s efforts to end homelessness. The fund is being administered by the Minneapolis Foundation which brings together local non-profits, civic leaders and donors to promote a stronger community.

Much of the donated funds have been distributed to meet the immediate and long-term needs of the residents who need housing and other assistance.  For example, $250,000 was provided to Pillsbury United Communities to help cover application fees, down payments and other steps needed to secure housing, $50,000 was given to the Salvation Army Harbor Light Center for hot meals and emergency supplies and $40,000 was provided to First Covenant Church of  Minneapolis for temporary shelter for the fire’s survivors.

The Minneapolis Foundation will continue to partner with local non-profits and deploy charitable resources to help the survivors of the Francis Drake Hotel fire achieve housing stability. The MAR Foundation is proud to support such efforts in our community, so everyone has a place they can call home. All contributions to the Foundation are used to support our mission. To learn more about how you can help, visit our Foundation page.