On December 28, 2023, around 2:20 p.m., a fire broke out at the Veterans Village Bernard Spain Campus at 5127 Duffield Street in Frankford, Philadelphia.
Since its opening in May 2023, this building was created to provide affordable housing for veterans and their families.
It has 47 units, ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments, and includes a community room and green space.
Because the residents are veterans of all ages—some as young as 23 and others as old as 80—they live in a close-knit community.
Several families, including children and babies, call this place home.
However, the fire started after two people broke into the building.
Security footage showed them entering through a locked door and heading to the third floor.
Then, once they got there, they filled a trash can with clothing and set it on fire outside a resident’s door.
These individuals were believed to have a connection to the resident, possibly related to a dispute, but the exact reasons are unclear.
Thankfully, the sprinkler system worked quickly, and no one was hurt.
Nevertheless, the damage was severe.
Of the 47 units, 23 were damaged, mostly from water used to put out the fire.
Since the hallways and some shared areas were also affected, one resident had to move out temporarily for three nights and was helped by other veteran organizations and the Red Cross.
Although most residents could stay in their apartments, they’ve been dealing with the inconvenience of repairs and damaged living spaces.
For many, this building was the first stable home they’d had in years, and this fire shook their sense of safety.
One resident, Army veteran Tahira Kinlaw, described the scene when the fire alarms went off.
She was in her apartment with her sister, cousin, and young child when they noticed smoke in the hallway.
Everyone ran out of the building into the cold rain, confused and scared.
Now, contractors are working to repair the damage, tearing out soaked drywall, replacing baseboards, and checking for mold, which could pose health risks.
They are also testing the foundation to ensure the building remains stable.
Repairs are ongoing but expensive and time-consuming, and the community is coming together to help.
Veterans Village, the nonprofit behind the project, runs entirely on donations.
They don’t receive city, state, or federal government funding.
Their goal is to keep rents affordable for the residents, many of whom are recovering from years of housing insecurity.
The organization was originally part of Volumetric Building Companies but now focuses entirely on creating housing for veterans.
The Frankford campus is seen as a model that could inspire similar projects across the country.
In the wake of the fire, Veterans Villages is asking for help from the public.
They need donations to fund repairs, replace lost items, and get everything back to normal for the residents.
Monetary donations can be made online at secure.qgiv.com.
They’re also looking for construction materials like drywall, paint, and baseboards.
Skilled workers who can donate their time and expertise are greatly needed.
Anyone who can help is encouraged to call 877-254-1982, Ext. 1.
The local community and oraganizations have already stepped in to support the residents.
The Red Cross and other veteran service groups have helped provide temporary housing and supplies for those displaced.
That said, more help is needed to rebuild and restore the building fully.
For many residents, this fire was yet another challenge in a life already filled with struggles.
Veterans Villages President Dana Spain explained that this building gave these veterans a chance to feel secure and stable, often for the first time in years.
The fire has disrupted their lives, but with the support of the community, they hope to recover and move forward.
If you want to learn more about Veterans Village or support their mission, visit their website at veteransvillages.org.
Every contribution—whether money, materials, or time—will help restore this safe and welcoming home for veterans and their families.
