A Lehigh Valley nonprofit that serves hundreds of people needs help after Allentown fire forced it to close

A Lehigh Valley nonprofit dedicated to helping adults improve their language, workplace and other skills was forced to close its office after a three-alarm fire last week in Allentown displaced about 20 residents and damaged six structures.

Smoke and water damage forced The Literacy Center to close its office and classrooms on the third floor of 1132 Hamilton St., according to Jen Doyle, the agency’s CEO. She said it is likely to remain closed for up to a year. The center has pivoted to virtual learning for its hundreds of adult clients, she said.

The center, which serves Lehigh and Northampton counties but predominantly Allentown residents, sent an email Monday to about 8,800 people with a plea for help. The agency provides instruction to adults in English as a Second Language (ESL), GED high school equivalency diplomas, digital literacy and job training.

While staff and students are able to work online, the organization is seeking classroom space and trying to compile a list of needs. Doyle said the center could incur additional costs during the transition; she did not have an estimate or an immediate list of needs.

“We’re just grateful for any help,” Doyle said.

A message to Hamilton Somach LLC, which is listed on Lehigh County records as the building’s owner, was not returned.

Doyle said the agency has a waiting list of more than 1,400 people. During the last five years, she said, the center’s enrollment has grown from 500 to more than 1,500 served annually. The agency has helped adults since 1977.

“This is why it’s so important that we continue delivering our essential classes and services to help meet the growing demand for adult education opportunities,” she wrote.

For more information or to help, email info@theliteracycenter-lv.org , or call 610-435-0680.

Deputy fire Chief Christian Williams said last week that six buildings were affected by the fire. Four structures were damaged, with two buildings sustaining smoke and water infiltration, including where the center operates.

On Tuesday, fire Chief Efrain “Freddy” Agosto Jr. said there was no update on the cause of the fire.

No one in the affected buildings was hurt. Six firefighters and one person in an adjoining building were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, Williams said.

Morning Call reporter Anthony Salamone can be reached at asalamone@mcall.com .