LIVE BLOG: Washington Square Blaze — How You Can Help

Are you wondering how you can help victims of the ? 

If you're looking to support your neighbors, here are some places to start.

If you know of other businesses, organizations or people working to help fire victims, please let us know in the comments or email Editor Aubry Bracco at aubry@patch.com with more information.

We will continue to update this live blog as benefit information comes in.

• — Catholic Charities North is collecting donations of gift cards to help fire victims purchase needed household goods and clothing. Director Jill Bowen said the charity has already made donations of gift cards from and as well as debit cards that can be used to purchase food.Bowen said Catholic Charities will also have funding to provide financial assistance to victims to help them secure new housing, such as for first month's rent and security deposit, or to pay up utilities. Those who want to contribute can send gift cards to Bowen at Catholic Charities North, 280 Washington Street in Salem.

• North Shore Community Action Programs — NSCAP has established a Salem Fire Victims' Fund to help fund housing assistance. The organization is also working as the main resource for helping the victims to locate temporary and permanent housing. To make a donation, send checks made out to "Salem Fire Victims' Fund, care of NSCAP," to 98 Main St., Peabody, MA, 01960.

• — The COA is assisting senior residents of the burned out building to contact other support services such as NSCAP. COA has also assisted seniors who need to replace items such as drivers licenses, bank cards, etc.

• The Salvation Army is providing temporary housing assistance, including monetary assistance to help fire victims cover the costs of living in a hotel until permanent housing can be found.

• / — These Essex Street businesses are cooperating to help locals affected by the fire. Call Rita's at (978) 741-7482 or stop by Pamplemousse, located at 185 Essex St. —

• — Visit the organization's Web site to learn more or to make a donation. —

• — Bewitched in Salem is dedicated to helping out resident BJ Tilton. Stop by the shop at 180 Essex St. or visit the business Facebook Page for more. —

• — Make reservations today for the Fire Relief Fund Benefit Dinner on March 24. Ten percent of sales will benefit victims of the fire. Visit the business Facebook page for more information.