SOCIAL Services Minister Frankie Campbell said his ministry has assisted more than a dozen families who lost their homes and belongings to two destructive fires earlier this month.

His comments came more than a week after a massive fire on Jennie Street left six homes burned to the ground and four others partially damaged.

Days later, officers responded to an early morning blaze at a seven-unit two story structure at Seventh Terrace and Fritz Lane, which resulted in one person’s death.

The two major fires, which occurred May 2 and May 4 respectively, resulted in several people being left homeless.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, Mr Campbell said a total of 13 families were affected by those fires.

He also said since the catastrophic incidents, officials from the Department of Social Services have provided food, clothing and rental assistance among other things.

The minister also thanked several non-profit organisations for lending a helping hand to further their efforts.

“The fire of May 2 affected ten homes and nine families,” Mr Campbell said. “Twenty-seven persons were assisted by the Department of Social Services. I want to thank NGOs that have come forward to offer their assistance in cash and in kind and in particular, Rotary Club of East Nassau, the pharmaceutical association and, I think, St Phillip’s Methodist Church.

“They would’ve come forward among others, offering their assistance. The Urban Renewal Centre in Englerston is coordinating those donations to ensure that the donations are specific to the needs of the persons, including medication if those needs exist.

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