Representative Chrissy Houlahan

Dear [name],

In this newsletter you’ll find...

An update on the R.M. Palmer Factory Explosion and resources for those affected

As you may have heard, on March 24th there was an explosion at the R.M. Palmer Company’s factory in West Reading, killing 7 people. My heart goes out to the victims of this tragedy and all of those affected. I am very proud, though, of how our community has responded in the wake of this tragedy, from starting disaster recovery funds to rescuers working day and night to clear debris. I had the opportunity to visit the site, and seeing the work of local officials and responders was inspiring. I’m so thankful for all they’ve done.

During my meeting with West Reading officials, I spoke with Mayor Samantha Kaag and Borough Council President Ryan Lineaweaver about the local response. Mayor Kaag declared a local disaster, which allowed the city to receive county and state funds to aid in the recovery effort. President Lineaweaver and the rest of the Council extended that declaration through mid-April. I also spoke with Police Chief Wayne Holben at the meeting, and I’m grateful for the police department’s swift action in the recovery process.

R.M. Palmer Factory Explosion Recovery Resources

Below you will find government resources on the federal, state, and local level that are available if you’ve been impacted by this tragedy. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office, (or any of the offices below) if you need assistance.

Federal Resources and Contacts:

Immigration assistance for victims’ families who need to travel to the United States
Social Security assistance including survivors’ benefits and the one-time lump sum death benefit
Small Business Administration (SBA) resources for small businesses impacted by the explosion
Lifeline services for eligible individuals who lost their phone and cannot afford a replacement
Assistance with accessing your insurance’s health care services, including mental health services
Housing assistance through the Department of Housing and Urban Development for those displaced by the explosion

U.S. Senator Bob Casey: 866-461-9159 or at casey.senate.gov/contact/assistance

Berks County Office: 610-782-9470

U.S. Senator John Fetterman: 717-782-3951 or at fetterman.senate.gov/help-with-a-federal-agency/

U.S. Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan 610-295-0815 or at houlahan.house.gov/serving-you/

State Resources and Contacts:

Replacement of state-issued IDs and driver’s licenses
Replacement of Pennsylvania birth certificates
Accessing public assistance benefits including SNAP, cash assistance, and Medical Assistance (Medicaid)
Help with unemployment compensation
Accessing local small business assistance resources through the Kutztown Small Business Development Center

State Senator Judy Schwank: 610-929-2151 or at senatorschwank@pasenate.com

State Representative Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz: 484-577-2756 or at RepCepedaFreytiz@pahouse.net

Local Resources and Contacts:

West Reading Mayor Samantha Kaag: 610-374-8273 or at westreadingborough.com

I’m so proud of our community’s resilience and compassion. This is an incredibly difficult time for many and once again – the collaboration from government officials, first responders, and community organizations has been incredible. I thank them for their strength and their willingness to help in a time of crisis. I also wanted to make sure they are recognized, so I spoke on the House floor to honor the victims and thank first responders. You can watch that here.

As always, please contact my office if you need assistance.

Be well and be kind to one another.

Chrissy Houlahan

U.S. Member of Congress

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