It’s nearly been a month since Fatimah lost her aunt and youngest daughter in an electrical fire that spread through the tower in Hell’s Kitchen. She was facing an uncertain future and deportation to her war ravaged homeland of Syria.

Today, Fatimah has gotten her green card and a new sponsor though the Islamic Cultural Center. The Center and other charities serving the Greater New York Metro Area had an outpouring of donations after reports of the fire and the plight of the building’s residents warmed the hearts of New Yorkers from all walks of life.

New Yorkers are no strangers to hard times as many residents are still rebuilding after Sandy. Neighbors helping neighbors is what New Yorkers do.

Fatimah is an inspiration. Even though she had lost one child in the fire and her aunt, she turned right back around and donated her time to help her former neighbors find grief counseling and financial support like she did. Fatimah said that she found her calling and will put her future law degree to use helping victims of wars, fires, floods, and disasters. “I have been most fortunate and met very kind hearted people on this very difficult journey. Allah be praised for the blessings I have been given.”

Fatimah’s story is just one of several. The residents have all reported that they’ve seen a fast response from charities. Everyone from Tunnels to Towers, Legal Aid, Catholic Charities, The Salvation Army, Goodwill, and the Red Cross have reached out to residents with legal aid, medical care, counseling, and housing assistance. One non-profit worker in charge of distributing food and clothing to residents said, “We’ve had an overwhelming response to the tragedy. Now we’re making sure that generosity gets to those that need it most. We’ll get these folks settled so that they can focus on the healing process. If we ease just a little bit of stress so they can do that, I’ll be happy.”