For victims of the Point Pleasant motel fire, now struggling to rebuild their lives, both material and emotional aid is available.

Mariner's Cove Motor Inn in Point Pleasant Beach following a fire.
Mariner's Cove Motor Inn in Point Pleasant Beach following a fire. (Ilya Hemlin, Townsquare Media NJ)
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Dozens of people are left homeless after Friday's fire at the Mariner's Cove Inn, many of whom are senior citizens, physically disabled, or are Sandy victims still displaced from the storm. Four people died and eight more were injured in the blaze.

The Red Cross has provided aid to the victims, and other government and nonprofit organizations are volunteering their help, "including the (Ocean County) Board of Social Services, St. Gregory's Pantry, St. Vincent DePaul," said Red Cross spokeswoman Laura Steinmetz, "and I just heard the Salvation Army has been helping as well."

"We're working on next steps now," Steinmetz said. "I believe the Board of Social Services is transitioning the victims into transitional housing as we speak."

While there is a need for material relief, Steinmetz stressed the need for emotional comfort after such a tragedy.

"We're providing that type of assistance, we need to get them out of the environment," Steinmetz said. "Offer them food, comfort, and make sure their immediate needs are met."

She said psychological and mental health assistance has been offered by the Red Cross immediately after the fire, and is an ongoing program.

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