Darby House: A Community Responds

On July 4th, a three-alarm fire at Darby House Senior Apartments in eastern Henrico County displaced 127 older adults, many of whom lost medications, mobility equipment, personal belongings, and household essentials. Four residents were hospitalized, the building is considered a total loss, and the recovery effort continues as residents work to secure permanent housing and rebuild their lives.

Support from generous donors has allowed Homes for America, the affordable housing nonprofit that owned Darby House, to cover temporary accommodations for residents and engage a consultant to provide relocation services. This support was critical in the immediate wake of the fire, and now a broad coalition of community partners has come together to help with long-term recovery, including Homes for America, United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg, Henrico County Government, SPAN Center, Neighborhood Resource Center, Better Housing Coalition, CARITAS, and Feed More. SPAN Center and the Neighborhood Resource Center have stepped up to offer case management and wrap-around care over the longer term

Our team at the Community Foundation has stayed in close contact with collaborating partners, listening and learning to offer the most-needed support and connections for resources. Fulfilling our commitment to support our communities when faced with crisis, the Community Foundation has mobilized donor contributions and our own responsive investments to assist residents with temporary housing and ongoing recovery.

Photo by: Henrico Division of Fire / Carter Killorn

Residents from Darby House have expressed gratitude for the community’s support. Resident Calvin Penn shared how the response from multiple agencies has made a difficult situation more manageable. “Right now, we’re feeling blessed that it turned out the way it did,” , he said. “It’s just so nice to see everybody pushing together — Henrico County, first responders, everybody. It’s a good feeling, you know, to be loved” (CBS 6).

As of the situation transitions from crisis response to long-term recovery, the need continues. As of the end of August, 14 residents are still in hotels, with six anticipating a move soon. United Way has established the Darby House Fire Recovery Fund to serve as the community's vehicle for financial support of the recovery effort. Donations to this fund will equip nonprofit partners that are assisting displaced residents with furniture, moving expenses, and resources for case management and wrap-around support.

Barbara Couto Sipe, President & CEO, United Way Greater Richmond and Petersburg, said of the collaborative community effort in ongoing support: “When neighbors face an unimaginable loss, our community responds. United Way's role in the Darby House recovery effort has been to bring partners, resources, and donors together so older adults can move from crisis toward stability. We are proud to work alongside the Community Foundation and other community partners to support this recovery. Every gift to the Darby House Fire Recovery Fund helps provide the practical support residents need as they rebuild their homes, their routines, and their sense of security.”