In top photo: Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton posted this image on its Facebook account in response to the Aug. 31 shooting in Trenton in which two people were killed and eight were injured.
By EmmaLee Italia, Contributing Editor
Two tragedies in the same week in Trenton – a house fire and a shooting – have prompted a need for compassionate response.
The three-alarm fire destroyed a three-story house and damaged two others in the 300 block of Hewitt Street in the early hours of Aug. 26, claiming the lives of a seven-year-old girl and four-year-old boy. One adult was able to escape; two firefighters were also injured in the blaze.
A few nights later, on Aug. 31, another Trenton neighborhood reeled from a mass shooting that injured eight adults and killed 42-year-old Anthony Howlett and 33-year-old Tyasiah West during an unauthorized block party on Locust Street, according to prosecutors. Four of the eight adults remain hospitalized at Capital Health Regional Medical Center, three of them in critical condition. As of this report, no arrests have been made.
Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton reported that one individual affected by the fire reached out to the agency; the CCDOT residential services team is currently working with them to determine what support can be provided.
Subsequent to the shooting, CCDOT posted on its social media a link to its VOICES program (Violence Prevention through Outreach, Intervention, Community Cohesion & Education to Promote Safety) which serves Mercer County.
“We can provide free mental health services and support to children impacted by community violence,” said Hollis Painting, CCDOT communications and social media manager.
“Violent crime has a negative impact on survivors and victims’ family members,” read the Facebook post. Long-term effects can include things like PTSD, substance use, depression and anxiety, poor performance in school or work and an increased risk in self-harm or suicidal thoughts.”
Those in need of housing support can call Catholic Charities at 609-394-8847. For free mental health services through the CCDOT VOICES program, call 609-394-5157 or visit https://www.catholiccharitiestrenton.org/voices/.
Reporting from WHYY Philadelphia and 6ABC Philadelphia contributed to this article.