Community Unites, Raises Funds for Displaced Residents After Devastating Aberdeen Townhouse Fire

HARFORD COUNTY - The Harford County community has rallied together, raising thousands of dollars within days to support the more than two dozen residents displaced by a severe townhouse fire in Aberdeen.

The blaze, which broke out on the evening of Saturday, May 20, on Witchhazel Way in Aberdeen, swiftly engulfed several homes. Over 100 first responders from Harford County and neighboring jurisdictions were deployed to tackle the rapidly spreading fire, which caused around $5 million in damages.

In its wake, at least eight homes were reported damaged, with some completely destroyed. Consequently, 26 individuals are now seeking temporary housing as investigations into the fire's cause are underway.

In response to the disaster, the Hollywoods II Homeowners Association president, Kyle Rothrock, initiated a GoFundMe campaign to aid the families affected by the fire. Remarkably, the fundraiser has collected over $11,000 from 134 donors in just two days.

So far, the top donation has been made by Havre de Grace City Council member Jacob Bennett who provided $700 toward the cause.

"This Go Fund Me is being opened to help all of the displaced residents as they have lost everything. The families literally only have the clothes on their backs. This was a terrifying event for these families as well as the whole community," Rothrock wrote. "The local community has banded together, and small donations of clothes and supplies are collected, but this is just the beginning for these families, and they will need a lot more. The community is asking for everyone to come together and donate to this cause to help these people out. I will be updating this page as we go. Thank you very much for your generosity in this devastating time; the families will greatly appreciate your donations."

The American Red Cross and Harford County Disaster Assistance personnel are providing additional support to the displaced families.

Donations to the Hollywood II GoFundMe campaign can be made here.